Sam Simpson is Geelong’s last player to earn a new contract before the National Draft later in November.
The 24-year-old midfielder has played just 19 games for the Cats, and none in 2022. He played in Geelong’s losing Grand Final against Richmond in 2020 and featured in a Qualifying Final the following year, but a pre-season concussion earlier this year saw his game time limited.
Silky Sammy signs on 🔥🔒 Simpson is locked in for 2023!
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) November 7, 2022
Simpson Signs Contract Extension 📘: https://t.co/uJOT1ld40o pic.twitter.com/CUHnPIIZIV
Simpson played the final four games of Geelong’s VFL season, but couldn’t break into the AFL side that claimed the 2022 premiership.
Geelong GM of football Simon Lloyd praised Simpson’s ability to get himself back to the top level in announcing the one-year contract.
“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 told the club’s website.
“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.”
Geelong takes picks 7, 58 and 64 into the National Draft, which takes place on November 28 and 29.