Recently sidelined Cat Sam Simpson has committed his future to Geelong, with the premiers announcing that the 24-year-old had inked a one-year contract on Monday evening.
Since commencing his career in hoops during the 2017 season, the local lad has made 19 AFL appearances, often coming out of Chris Scott's senior side as quickly as he entered it.
The St Joseph's graduate enjoyed a career year during 2020, playing in nine COVID-shortened contests, including the Cats' agonosing grand final defeat to Richmond.
Simpson was in line to play a role at AFL level during the 2022 season, however, the flexible forward had his influence curtailed early in the piece, with concussion ruling him out for all of Geelong's premiership assault.
While able to return to play VFL toward the back-end of the year, Simpson failed to add a single senior game to his tally in 2022.
Though largely seen as a depth player by those removed from Kardinia Park's inner sanctum, Geelong's GM of Football Simon Lloyd praised Simpson's flexibility, stressing that the father-son selection had a role to play going forward.
“First and foremost Sam is a quality young man who worked enormously hard and diligently over several months to get back to playing football this season," Lloyd said within a club statement.
“Sam has the ability to play as an inside midfielder, defender or half forward and we've seen enough in his 19 AFL games to recognise his talent and strong work ethic.
“We know with Sam's professionalism he will continue to develop his game and we look forward to seeing Sam at senior level again in 2023.”
Simpson joins premiership quintet Tom Atkins, Zach Guthrie, Tom Hawkins, Zach Tuohy and Isaac Smith in signing on in the Pivot City.
Geelong also added the wares of Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Ollie Henry via the recent exchange period.
Despite acting as reigning premiers, the Cats will enter this month's National Draft early, holding a hand comprised of picks 7, 58, 64 and 94.
