Ex-Carlton champion Kade Simpson has entered the coaching ranks by joining Hawthorn.
7 News’ Mitch Cleary first reported that Simpson will take charge of the Hawks defenders, filling the void left by Robert Harvey.
Hawthorn has secured Carlton champion Kade Simpson as an assistant coach.
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) November 10, 2022
Simpson has been working with the Blues’ AFLW team and takes control of the Hawks’ defenders.
Fills the void in the Hawks’ coaching panel opened by Robert Harvey’s departure for STK @7NewsMelbourne
Harvey left Hawthorn to return to St Kilda under Ross Lyon.
The Hawks have since confirmed the appointment.
Hawthorn head of football Rob McCartney told the club's website: “We are really excited to bring Kade into our program.
“He is renowned around the industry for not only his football IQ and expertise, but also his high level of character.
“We are very confident that, given he is only recently out of the game as a player, he will build some very strong connections – especially with the younger players on our list.
“Kade has an exceptional understanding of the modern game, and we think he will prove a great complement to our existing coaching structure.”
Simpson has been the forwards coach of Carlton in the AFLW and was also a development coach at the Carlton College of Sport in 2022.
The 342-gamer – who retired in 2020 as a one-club player – has also worked with Carlton’s VFL side.