Carlton’s Kade Simpson puts his longevity in the game down to a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck along the way.

The 30-year-old vice-captain has proven once again that age is no barrier to form on the field, taking out third place in this year’s best and fairest.

Speaking exclusively with CFC TV, Simpson has conceded that his bones are “creaking” a little at early morning training sessions these days. But he is feeling positive about the future – particularly in the wake of Chris Judd deciding to play on in 2015.

“I think Juddy signing on for another year is tremendous,” Simpson said.

“I’ve got two years left on my contract and after that who knows. I’m going to be doing everything in my power, and dragging as many blokes with me as I can, to get this club where it should be: up the top.”

The season didn’t unfold the way the Blues had hoped with the team plagued by injury and inconsistency. Despite the result, the vibe was one of positivity by the end of the season, with staff and players buoyed by where the team is headed.

Simpson says that while the end result remains hard to swallow, he’s confident they’re on the right track.

“The players are probably more disappointed than anyone, I know the supporters are all disappointed, but we feel it just as hard as anyone,” Simpson said.

“But I think the footy we played later in the season against quality opposition showed we can mix it with the best. We came really close to beating a couple of top four sides, so I think that’s really positive.

“Then obviously the young guys that we blooded this year – as an older guy you see them work as hard as they do during the pre-season then see them step out on the big stage – it’s a big thrill.”