Andrew Walker and Kade Simpson have finalised discussions with the Carlton Football Club that will see the duo remain with Blues for the next three seasons.

Carlton President, Stephen Kernahan, announced the re-signing at the official Carlton pre-match luncheon at the MCG this afternoon.

“It gives me pleasure to announce to our sponsors and guests today that Andrew Walker and Kade Simpson have agreed to terms that will see them remain at Carlton for another three seasons,” Kernahan said as part of his official pre-match address to the 400 guests in attendance.

“Both players are currently enjoying stellar seasons, so this is obviously a major win for the club.”

For Walker, the decision comes eight weeks after his manager first entered into negotiations. 

“It’s a relief, a real weight off my mind,” Walker said. “You really want to get these sorts of things out of the way to get on with your football, but they do take time and now that it’s happened I’m rapt.

“You look at the players who have recently re-signed and they’re good club people, good core people, and they all re-signed because in the back of their minds was playing finals football and winning that premiership. You’d have to be crazy to want to leave the Carlton Football Club at the minute, because there’s such a good vibe and everyone can see the bigger picture.”

At the end of the 2010 season Walker admitted he was keen to play in the forward line and this year Walker got his wish. He has lined up in the front half, and in 18 senior appearances so far this season (prior to today’s game against Melbourne) has banged through 46 goals and completed the mark of the year.

Walker has currently played in 121 matches over eight seasons after joining the club as the No.2 overall pick (priority selection) in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft.

An integral member of Carlton’s leadership group, Kade Simpson’s re-signing is more welcome news for the club.

 “I have been at Carlton since 2003 and there is no doubt the last couple of years have been the most enjoyable of my AFL career. The playing group is confident in where we are heading and it is great to know that I will be part of our next few years when we hopefully enjoy success,” Simpson said.

Kade Simpson has currently played in 153 games for Carlton after being selected in the 2002 National AFL Draft as a 4th round selection, No. 45 overall.

Today’s match against Melbourne will be Simpson’s 139th consecutive AFL game, having not missed a Carlton match since round 14, 2005.