Evergreen Carlton defender Kade Simpson isn't planning on his 15th AFL season being his last.
Simpson, who turns 33 in May, told reporters on Saturday he has enjoyed another outstanding pre-season campaign.
It follows on from a stellar 2016 season in which he was included in the initial 40-man All Australian squad and finished second to Sam Docherty in the club's best-and-fairest count.
"I haven't really thought about the finish line ... I'm just trying to focus on getting through (seasons)," the 264-gamer said.
"I had a really good pre-season last year so I'm just trying to compete with that.
"With all of the young kids we've got coming through it sort of reinvigorates you ... it's an exciting place to be at the moment."
The rebuilding Blues aren't expected to challenge for the finals this year after managing seven wins last year to finish 14th, on the back of the 17th-ranked offence in the league.
But Simpson is backing the club's youth movement to bear fruit sooner rather than later.
"I'm not hanging around here to be dwindling (away) down the bottom," he said.
"I know myself, the leadership group and the coaches are doing everything we can to get this group to where we need to be."
Simpson will continue as vice-captain to skipper Marc Murphy after the club completed it's leadership vote this week.
Patrick Cripps, Dennis Armfield, Ed Curnow, Bryce Gibbs and Docherty make up the remainder of the group, with Gibbs included despite his failed attempt to be traded to Adelaide.
"He sets the standard on the track so there's no reason for him not to be in there," Simpson said of Gibbs.
"He requested a move home to be with his family - it was nothing against the club, he loves the club.
"He's the ultimate professional and the way he's gone about pre-season ... probably in my eyes he's been the standout performer in the group."
Share
