Carlton has announced that former captain Marc Murphy and iconic defender Kade Simpson are set to be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.
Murphy and Simpson both notched up over 300 games each, joining an illustrious six-man group at the Blues who have achieved the feat.
Murphy was taken with the coveted Pick 1 in the 2005 National Draft and made an immediate impact at the struggling club, featuring in 13 matches in his debut season, claiming the AFLPA Best First Year Player Award in 2006.
The Oakleigh Chargers product would then receive All-Australian honours, AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and his first John Nicholls Medal in 2011.
Murphy would be champion midfielder Chris Judd's successor in leading the club, taking over the significant role in 2013 for six seasons before handing the reigns over to Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty.
The No.3 would claim a second John Nicholls Medal in 2017 and played his 300th, and final game, against Port Adelaide, hanging up his boots at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Murphy was the son of Fitzroy and South Melbourne player John, who played 246 games and secured six best and fairests.
Simpson was welcomed to the Blues a few years earlier than Murphy, taken with Pick 45 in the 2002 National Draft from the Eastern Ranges.
The dashing defender was one of the most durable players in the competition, recording a staggering 342 matches between 2003 and 2020, placing him third in the all-time games list for Carlton.
Simpson claimed a John Nicholls Medal in 2013 and represented Australia in multiple International Series during his career.
He also was an integral part of the Blues' leadership group, remaining in the cohort for 13 seasons.
Since his playing days, Simpson has joined the coaching ranks, joining the Blues' AFLW side as an assistant coach before heading to Hawthorn's men's team.
Carlton Football Club President Rob Priestley noted the immense legacy both Murphy and Simpson have left on the Club.
"Kade and Marc's careers are carved into the Navy-Blue history books and their names continue to be held in such high esteem amongst every Carlton person," Priestley said.
"It gives me immense pride to be able to properly recognise Kade and Marc's contribution to our club across their joint 642 games. Their individual stories of resilience and determination will continue to be a source of inspiration for our younger generation and our current-day players.
"He (Murphy) helped build and shape a better culture within Carlton, inspiring others to pursue excellence and commit themselves to being their very best.
"Kade bled Navy Blue, he was the epitome of loyalty, a true Carlton player through and through. His ability to maintain excellence at the highest level, year after year, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both Carlton and the AFL game.
"To be able to recognise Marc and Kade's respective journeys and to welcome them both into the Hall of Fame is a significant moment and one that we look forward to celebrating together as one club on the night."
The Spirit of Carlton Hall of Fame event will be held on 6 March at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park, with tickets still available here.
