Despite hanging up the boots at the completion of last season, beloved Carlton backman Kade Simpson has divulged his desire to pick up the quill, and add another chapter to his footballing career.
In a candid interview with former teammate Dylan Buckley, the 36-year-old explained that although his time at Princes Park was over, he was still fit, firing, and knocking on the door for one last shot at glory.
The 342-gamer explained on the Dyl and Friends podcast that although he would love to pull the boots on again at AFL level, it would have to be with a team that was bound for September.
โI wouldn't play just for the sake of playing โฆ (it would need to be) a team that's going to be challenging, that are looking like they're going to play finals,โ Simpson explained.
With the mid-season draft scheduled for Wednesday June 2, clubs the league over are sure to be running through the pros and cons of reviving the lightly built half-back's stellar career.
Although no side has publicly stated their interest in the former vice-captain, we here at Zero Hanger have made the case for five sides that could benefit from Simpson's wealth of experience and steady left foot.
If the sight of Simpson in anything other than a long-sleeved, navy blue guernsey is too much for you, Carlton fans, we suggest looking away now.
5. St. Kilda Saints
Having lost Jarryn Geary, Ben Paton and Dylan Roberton before the season even started, the Saints have been hit hard across the half-back line.
Although Ben Long, Hunter Clark and Jimmy Webster have shared the pair of roles for the first month of the season, the Moorabbin men may wish to turn this purported weakness into a strength.
With Simpson having worked under current St. Kilda coach Brett Ratten for a third of his career at Carlton, this previous connection could also see the 36-year-old trade the inner suburbs for Bayside.
Like the Demons, St. Kilda have the present ability to select Simpson in June, with three spots on their list available to be filled.
