Sam Simpson Biography

Following an upset win over the Bulldogs, West Coast coach Adam Simpson says he has been hurt by suggestions the Eagles have been tanking in 2023.

"Last week was pretty heavy, but I was more disappointed about the criticism about the tanking stuff, like that that probably cut me a bit deeper, so put that to bed (with the win against the Bulldogs)," Simpson said.

"As a club, we would take this win any day of the week to help build what we're trying to do in the future."

West Coast rules Nic Naitanui out for the 2023 season after receiving fresh scans on his Achilles injury.

"He had a follow-up scan recently and it looks like he's going to need surgery now, so it's time to pull the pin on the season and get that surgery that he needs," West Coast coach Adam Simpson said.

"It's a long-term one. The recent scan he had didn't come back too good, so we've got no choice unfortunately. I know it's something you can recover from, and fully recover. It's just a long stint out, therefore the season is out of the question."

Sam Simpson remains sidelined indefinitely with concussion symptoms.

"Sam is involved with the football program, but not ready to play. He is making continual progress in his recovery, everything being done is all about a safe return," Geelong general manager football Simon Lloyd said.

Retired Carlton stalwart Kade Simpson says he is considering a shock mid-season comeback if the club will have him.

"I wouldn't play just for the sake of playing (it would need to be) a team that's going to be challenging, looking like they're going to play finals," Simpson told the Dyl and Friends podcast, hosted by his former Carlton teammate Dylan Buckley.

"Even now, for some stupid reason, I still run and flog myself. In the back of my head I'm like, just imagine if someone now with the mid-season draft and all that sort of stuff. I'm pretty fit still. If someone did come knocking, I'm ready? I'm still fit."

Sam Simpson makes his AFL debut for Geelong with 13 disposals (7 kicks and 6 handballs), 4 marks and 2 tackles in a draw with GWS.

Sam Simpson is presented with Geelong's No.37 guernsey for next season, taking on the number his father Sean wore in eight seasons with the Cats.

Geelong select Sam Simpson with pick No.53 in the 2016 Rookie Draft.