LATE this week, Carlton’s newest players undertook an induction camp as they prepare for their new life as Blues.

There was also Kade Simpson.

While his new teammates were getting used to their new home, Simpson’s involvement in the camp was two-fold.

He was there as a teammate (and leader), while he was also there for his growing involvement in the Club’s welfare space.

“Over the next few days, we’re going to learn a little bit more and each other and going forward, tell the young boys what the Club is about,” Simpson told Carlton Media from Thursday’s session in Lorne.

“I came back at the end of last year with Lil [O’Sullivan] and spoke about being interested in getting involved in the welfare side of things.

“She’s giving me the opportunity to take the young boys under my wing.”

There aren’t too many better in the competition for new players to look up than Carlton’s No.6.

While the programs of first-year players are predominantly set out by the AFL and AFLPA, Simpson said there was plenty to pass on to the new Blues — and he was impressed by the early signs.

“I’ll be encouraging them to get involved in study, work placement and show them some networking around the Club,” he said.

“They’re all good young kids, eager to learn and they’re asking a lot of questions, which is great.

“Every year, these young kids keep coming in and I’m trying to keep up with them. I’m excited to see how they go.”

One of the key moments from the induction camp on Thursday was the integration between both AFL and AFLW Blues.

Simpson said it was great to bring both groups together and build on the whole-of-club approach.

“Going forward, AFLW is only going to keep growing,” he said.

“Both teams will merge and with the new facility, you’re going to see a lot more crossing over with training schedules and that kind of thing.”