The Carlton Football Club has made the decision to postpone the 2020 John Nicholls Medal until February next year.

The decision has been made in the hope that by then, the Carlton family can come together and deliver a fitting farewell to the Club’s retired champions.

Both Kade Simpson and Matthew Kreuzer have called time on their playing careers at season’s end, having given incredible service to the football club across 18 and 13 seasons respectively.

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Simpson will play his 342nd and final game in the Navy Blue guernsey this Saturday night, departing the game at No.3 on the Club’s and No.19 on AFL’s all-time list of games played. Kreuzer has been the definition of courage, elite work rate and was a heart and soul player at Ikon Park during his 189 games.

With the restrictions currently in place on game day as well as in Melbourne regarding public gatherings, the Club aims to acknowledge both Simpson and Kreuzer in a way befitting the esteem in which they will be forever held in by the Carlton faithful.

The Club is also hopeful that holding the event early next year will allow for members and supporters to attend, with the John Nicholls Medal having always been an enjoyable night for the entire Carlton family.

The Club will monitor the situation as it unfolds in Melbourne over the coming months, particularly in relation to public gatherings, with further details to be provided at a later date.