AT THE end of the 2004 season, Kade Simpson thought his brief career in the AFL might be over.

The slightly-built youngster from Melbourne's outer-east had played six games in two years, and had doubts the Blues would give him a third season.

Simpson managed to receive another contract and his 'light bulb' moment came in the middle of 2005. The Blues were playing St Kilda, and he was assigned a tagging role on speedy Saint Austinn Jones.

Simpson had missed the previous game against West Coast in Perth because of injury, but instead of coming back through the reserves, he was straight back in the seniors.

While Carlton was well beaten, Simpson acquitted himself well (13 disposals, three goals) while restricting Jones to 14 touches.

"It clicked then that I belong and I'm a part of the senior team," the veteran Blue said this week. "That gave me a lot of confidence."

This Saturday against Port Adelaide at the MCG, Simpson becomes only the fifth player to notch 300 games for the Blues, behind Craig Bradley (375), Bruce Doull (356), John Nicholls (328) and Stephen Silvagni (312).

Timing is everything, and Simpson has been unlucky that his career has coincided with the worst era in Carlton's history. Unlike Bradley, Doull, Nicholls and Silvagni, he does not have at least one premiership medal in his possession.

But the left-footer is honoured to be part of such an elite group. "It's a massive thrill and a bit surreal," he said. "I never thought my name would be put up next to those guys."

Simpson joins an exclusive club of Carlton greats on Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos

Only six of his 299 games have been finals and he rates two of those as career highlights – elimination final wins over Essendon (2011) and Richmond (2013) at the MCG.

He has also cherished his involvement with the International Rules Series, representing Australia on eight occasions and winning the Jim Stynes Medal for the best Australian player in 2008.

A fan favourite among the Blues' faithful for his loyalty and commitment to Carlton, particularly in times of adversity, Simpson is proud to be a one-club player.

"Carlton is my second home," he said. "I came straight out of high school and, apart from my parents, it's the other single biggest influence in the way I've grown up and the person I am today."

Since establishing himself as a senior player in 2005, Simpson has been a model of consistency and remarkably durable in the ensuing 13 seasons.

In that period he has missed only five games – the longest time he has been on the sidelines was three matches after his jaw was broken in a clash with former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham in 2012.

Simpson said the key to his ability to survive so long in the game was hard work and being smart in his preparation.

During recent pre-seasons, a major focus has been to maintain his speed as he seeks to prolong his career.

There has been an element of luck as well.

"I haven't had too many big interruptions where you lose all of your fitness and have to start from scratch again," he said.

"This year I've felt better than I have for a couple of seasons."

Simpson played his junior football with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup and was taken as the Blues' fourth-round selection at No.45 in the 2002 National Draft.

Only three others from that draft – Brendon Goddard, Daniel Wells and Jarrad McVeigh – are still playing in the AFL.

One of the biggest early influences in his time at Carlton was former Swan, Magpie and Blue Barry Mitchell, father of star Hawthorn midfielder Tom.

Mitchell was the Blues' VFL coach under his first senior coach Denis Pagan and Simpson credits Mitchell as playing a key role in kick-starting his career.

"He taught me a lot about just working hard, doing extra sessions and backing myself in with confidence," he said.

Simpson took a particular interest in the game styles of new teammates Scott Camporeale and Matthew Lappin. Like him, they were slightly built and he believed he could play similar roles.

He made his AFL debut in round 11, 2003, a week after the curtain was lowered on Brett Ratten's illustrious playing career with Carlton.

"He pushed me out and forced me into retirement," Ratten said with a laugh.

Ratten was the first person Simpson met when he walked through the door at Ikon Park.

"I was a bit starstruck at first because I grew up out in the Yarra Valley and 'Ratts' is from Yarra Glen," Simpson recalled.

They had adjoining lockers – Simpson at No.6 and Ratten No.7 – and the Blues' star 1995 premiership midfielder liked what he saw in the youngster.

"I thought he kicked the ball really nicely, moved well and was pretty tough for his slight build," Ratten said.

Simpson and Brett Ratten had a bond as teammates, and when Ratten coached the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos

It was hardly an auspicious start by the youngster from the Eastern Ranges. Simpson recalls spending most of his time on the interchange bench in his first three games, playing a total of only 50 minutes on the field.

The game has changed a lot in his time, and it is common now for players to have a spell on the bench. But these days Simpson spends most of the time on the ground, directing traffic at half-back and providing guidance for his younger teammates.

Ratten believes Simpson will be remembered as one of Carlton's all-time greats and should be proud of his achievements.

"He might not have taken as many high-flying marks as Peter Bosustow or 'Jezza' (Alex Jesaulenko), but what he's done is to be so consistent," he said. "He sees the game so well.

"He's been a terrific player for the football club. His heart and spirit and what he does in that little No.6 jumper, the way he throws his body around and to be so durable and still so brave, it's such a credit to him.

"His parents Gail and Terry have always followed him around and have been a great family. The way he's gone about it, there's been no fuss. He's a bloody marvel.

"He's a player who can help out winning the ball and hit the scoreboard, he's got great endurance and great transition running.

"Whether he's got the ball in the defensive 50, between the arcs or inside 50, he's always a good user of the footy.

"You'd think with his size, maybe he could get out-marked a bit, but he finds a way. He doesn't seem to get out-marked too many times."

Simpson (second from left) has come a long way since his debut in 2004. Picture: AFL Photos

Ratten is one of Simpson's five senior coaches at Carlton – the others are Pagan, Mick Malthouse, John Barker and Brendon Bolton – and the veteran said he has learned from each one.

For eight years under Pagan and Ratten, Simpson established himself as a long-kicking wingman with the ability to hit the scoreboard regularly.

Not long after Malthouse joined the Blues, he switched Simpson to half-back during 2013 and he has been a permanent fixture there since.

Simpson played some of his best football under the three-time premiership coach, winning his first club best and fairest award in 2013 and finishing third the next year.

"I like half-back because you get to see the game in front of you," he said. "I think that suits me, being proactive and reading the play."

Simpson admitted he was nervous when Bolton took over at the end of 2015, but the new coach put him at ease in their first conversation.

"You always get a bit nervous when you're around 30 and a new coach comes in," he said. "But he told me he was not coming in here to retire me off, and as long as I'm playing good footy I'll always have a spot in his side.

"He's helped me on the mental side of the game. He doesn't leave any stone unturned, whether it's teaching players or reviewing opposition to give us a strategy to go out and execute."

Simpson's speed and guile remain invaluable for the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos

At 34, Simpson's body is feeling great and believes he still has something to offer.

As he has for the past three seasons, he will discuss his future with Bolton at the end of the year.

He hopes to play on, but is realistic enough to be making plans for his post-playing days. He is doing a Level 2 coaching course and recruiting course.

"I'd like to stay in football," he said. "I see the last 16 years as a resume. I'm just trying to dabble in a few different areas of the football department and see what tickles my fancy."

But being a senior coach is not on the agenda. "There are assistant coaches, development coaches. There are so many roles and clubs are only getting bigger and more professional," he said.

This weekend, Simpson hopes the Blues can replicate that memorable day in 2016 when he celebrated his 250th game in style with a two-point win over the Power at Etihad Stadium, with ruckman Matthew Kreuzer kicking the match-winning goal.

While there has been only one win this season as the Blues sit on the bottom of the ladder, Simpson can see a bright future with their plethora of promising youngsters developing under the close eye of Bolton and his coaching staff.

He has done some work with half-back Tom Williamson before a back injury ruled him out for the remainder of this season. He has also helped Zac Fisher with his running patterns.

Simpson is confident Carlton is on the right path and will turn it around quickly.

"I see the talent first-hand here every day and how hard they work," he said. "That's another sign that we're going to jump pretty quickly."