Sam Simpson has burst back on the scene in a big way in 2023, earning his way back into the AFL team following some stellar VFL form.
Since returning for the Round 6 clash with Sydney, Simpson has kicked six goals in his three matches while also pushing up the ground in a high half-forward role.
Speaking on the To the Final Bell podcast, Cameron Ling and Meghan McDonald described Simpson as a crucial player in the Cats line-up.
“What we have seen from him, he adds so much to this team,” Ling said.
“He has the spot at the moment and he is playing really good football, someone will have to do something pretty special to take that away from him.
“We are huge fans of Sam Simpson; I love him in the team and I think the coach does as well.”
Simpson was drafted to the Cats in 2016 but has been unable to get a consistent run with injury, managing just 19 AFL games in his first five seasons at Geelong.
His best period came during Geelong’s 2020 run to the Grand Final, where he featured in three matches during the finals series and looked to cement his place with Geelong.
But two heavily interrupted seasons through injury followed, with Simpson unable to find consistency playing just 10 games of VFL and AFL football combined.
Ling and McDonald commented on Simpson’s impressive football craft, despite the long stint on the sideline.
“His movement is so impressive, where you think he is going one way then he goes the other and half a metre of space gets turned into two. That then puts a teammate into more space, those little things are so important,” Ling said.
“They are such impressive things to have after such a long break,” added McDonald.
2023 provided a fresh start for Simpson, who dominated the opening three weeks of the VFL season for Geelong. Averaging over 20-disposals and five tackles per game, Simpson quickly entered himself into the frame for an AFL return.
Ling talked about what Simpson brings to the team, in his role across half-forward.
“I think what you see with Simpson is yes, goals are fantastic and he has kicked a couple each week, but it’s the creativity that he brings that is amazing.
Even if it is a momentary delay of a handball to just bring the defender one step closer to him, that then releases a teammate into more space. It’s little things like that setting him apart.”
