New backline coach Kade Simpson says he is excited about the breadth of Hawthorn's defensive talent ahead of the 2023 season. 

Simpson will lead a defensive unit which includes the likes of youngsters Changkuoth Jiath, Will Day, Jack Scrimshaw, Denver Grainger-Barras, James Blanck and senior figures James Sicily, Blake Hardwick, Sam Frost and Jarman Impey.

Speaking to RSN Breakfast Club this week, Simpson said he was itching to officially commence his role on Monday when pre-season begins for the first-to-four year players.

“It's a good opportunity with an exciting young list and I can’t wait to get started,” Simpson said.

“I think they’ve got a really good balance of youth and experience, but also with a whole heap of talent. 

“I’m really excited to work with those guys – there is so much to work with down there.”

After playing 342 games with Carlton, Simpson begun his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Blues' AFLW program in 2020, with his most recent position being AFLW Head of Development.

The 38-year-old has joined Hawthorn as an assistant coach in the AFL program ahead of the 2023 season.

“Towards the backend of my career I did some courses and had some interest in not just coaching, but within the development and welfare of players as well,” he explained.

“I definitely wanted to stay in footy following my playing career, so I really thank Carlton and the AFLW program for giving me that opportunity to keep my foot in the door through the COVID-19 period. 

“But now to be full-time in a program where I can really sink my teeth into and spend more time with the players is great."

Simpson said his arrival to the brown and gold fold came somewhat “out of the blue”, starting with a casual phone call from coach Sam Mitchell.  

“I was on holidays, and he was in Scotland at the Celtics doing some personal development. I think a mutual contact might have thrown my name up saying that I’d be good for the role,” Simpson said. 

“Once we were both back in the country, we caught up and went through the interview process.

“I think they may have had a couple of other candidates, so they narrowed it down from that and the following week I caught up with Sam again and couple of the senior backline players.

“I sat down and spoke to them about what they would want in a coach and how I would go about it. I think the following day it was all ticked off and now I’m a Hawk.”