Carlton veteran Kade Simpson could set new record for most career losses in 2019

He’s remained loyal to Carlton and is one of the club’s most loved and respected players but Blues veteran Kade Simpson could set a new record in season 2019 — and it’s not a good one.

Kade Simpson has played in 194 losses during his 307-game career. Picture: Getty

On the back of four wooden spoons one of Carlton’s most loyal servants is on a collision

course with football’s most unwanted record this year.

Veteran defender Kade Simpson, who is entering his 17th year with the Blues, is on track to eclipse former Fitzroy captain Kevin Murray’s record for most career losses.

Murray played in 208 defeats for Fitzroy among 333 career matches before hanging up the boots in 1974.

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Simpson has 194 losses to his name from 307 career matches, meaning if Carlton gets beaten 15 times this season he will take over the longstanding record.

Just seven more losses for Simpson would see him claim second spot on the list, currently held by former Footscray and Fitzroy great Doug Hawkins who played in 200 losses.

Murray told the Sunday Herald Sun while he would be happy to hand over the baton, he felt for Simpson as playing in so many losses had its challenges.

Kade Simpson has played in 194 losses during his 307-game career. Picture: Getty

“Nobody wanted it to be that way, none of us, but it just turned out that way,” the 1969 Brownlow Medal winner said.

“He (Simpson) has had a great career and win, lose or draw, it doesn’t matter what happens.

“You always try to do your best, that’s the most important thing. That’s where supporters stick with you, because they can see how hard you try.

“Win, lose or draw, they still know you’re having a go.”

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Simpson, who turns 35 in May, has won twice as many wooden spoons as he has finals matches, holding a 2-4 record from six outings in September.

The Blues have made finals just four times since he debuted in 2003, one of those occasions coming when they actually finished ninth in 2013 before replacing an Essendon side which was booted out of the top-eight due to the supplements saga.

Part of the club’s current leadership group, Simpson has remained loyal to the Blues despite the Carlton curse and spoke in December of his desire to potentially play on beyond 2019.

Simpson has played in only six finals but has remained loyal to Carlton. Pic: Michael Klein

“I don’t really want to put a limit on it,” Simpson said.

“I think guys can go in and say this is going to be their last year. I don’t want to do that.

“I’ll play as long as the body and the mind holds up and Bolts (coach Brendon Bolton) has always said to me as soon as you walk through the door if you’re playing good footy and still got something to offer there’ll always be a spot for me.”

Simpson’s overall win-loss record stands at 36.3 per cent, a percentage that is more than twice as good as Brisbane’s Nick Robertson who has the worst win-loss record of any current player in the AFL who has played at least 50 games.

Robertson has sung the team song just 12 times from 68 outings, a winning percentage of just 17.7 per cent.

MOST CAREER WINS

302 Michael Tuck (Haw)

260 Kevin Bartlett (Rich)

242 Shaun Burgoyne (Haw)

238 Bruce Doull (Car)

235 Brent Harvey (NM)

MOST CAREER LOSSES

208 Kevin Murray (Fitz)

200 Doug Hawkins (Foot, Fitz)

199 John Rantall (SM, NM, Fitz)

196 Paul Roos (Fitz, Syd)

194 Kade Simpson (Car)

Originally published as Carlton veteran Kade Simpson could set new record for most career losses in 2019