Carlton milestone man Kade Simpson was thankful to all the well wishers and grateful for all the plaudits that accompanied his 300th AFL game for the club.
But the 34-year-old admitted he was mightily relieved the Blues’ fighting 13.12 (90) to 10.9 (69) loss to Port Adelaide at the MCG marked the end of a week of attention.
“It won’t sink in until I’ve got the time to sit back and when I do look back I’ll be pretty chuffed,” Simpson said.
“I tried to enjoy the week but it was pretty hectic. I was uncomfortable with a lot of the attention, but it was enjoyable.
“I actually am glad that it’s over. I usually don’t get nervous before games … but I got a bit of a knot in the stomach.
“I’m pretty glad it’s over.”
Simpson joined Carlton greats Craig Bradley (375), Bruce Doull (356), John Nicholls (328) and Stephen Silvagni (312) in passing the 300-game mark.
He showed no signs of slowing down, starring with 37 possessions.
“He’s a heart-and-soul player and it’s been a privilege to coach Simmo over the past three years,” coach Brendon Bolton said.
“He’s backed in everything (we do) … he’s just so focused on driving this young group.
“We’re really lucky to have someone like him.”
The brave Blues trailed by just two points at three-quarter time but Port booted the first four goals of the final term to seal the premiership points.
The loss consigned the last-placed Blues to a 1-13 record, the worst start to a season in the club’s history.
“Wee’re fighting to win … with the win-loss ratio the way it is right now it would be easy not to fight,” Bolton said.
“But this group has got the determination to try to get a result.
“They’re just learning how to be consistent at it.”