WHEN the AFL season was put on hold, commentary started in all circles. One of the topics centred around the competition’s veterans, writing them off from a return to the field beyond 2020.

Just don’t tell Kade Simpson.

Of course, the Carlton veteran has heard it all before. With 326 games under his belt and at 36 years of age, he readily admits that he’s heard the commentary for the last five years.

However, with games being shortened and less games in the 2020 campaign at the very least, he feels as though it could help the game’s experienced heads go on for longer.

“Every year, someone comes out saying I should’ve hung them up the year before,” Simpson said.

“Whether these changes they’re thinking of implementing are just for this year or extending into future seasons, it can help guys over 30 and I think you’ll see more and more guys continue.

“Having said that, I’m not getting any younger. Every month we’re laid off, it’s getting closer to another birthday.”

Simpson came into the season just three games behind John Nicholls for total Carlton games: only Craig Bradley and Bruce Doull have better records in Navy Blue.

Ideally, Simpson said he and the wider AFL playing group would have loved to get a few more games under the belt.

For so many years, Simpson’s longevity has stood out, missing just five games in 12 years and playing 157 consecutive games.

With a shorter turnaround between games forecasted when football returns, Simpson said it was hard to see players featuring in every game for the season.

“It’s pretty hard to pencil in if you are going to miss, if you’ve pulled up well after a game, or if you’ve only got a four-day break and you have to sit one out,” he said.

“The program we’re doing now will hopefully cater for shorter breaks and recovery will be an optimum.

“I think most people would’ve liked to get 4-5 games in before the layoff. We’ve done a full pre-season, played just one game and now we’re sitting on our backsides.”

For everyone in the football world, the last few weeks have presented unprecedented times: especially for someone who has spent over half of his life in football.

It’s no surprise that Simpson wasn’t a big fan of the free time at his disposal.

“It’s something new and it’s something I’m not really enjoying much… the house is pretty spotless,” he said.

“I’m still getting in all of my training. It’s the most enjoyable part of the day: getting out, getting to the park, going for a run and having a kick of the footy.

“I’m looking forward to being back as soon as it is safe to do so.”