Inspired by his good mate Nick Malceski, Simpson is sporting an impressive beard that can be best described as bushranger chic.
Simpson, Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo are the contenders to take over from Chris Judd as the AFL club's skipper.
He said the beard might stay, depending on how his season starts.
"It does get pretty warm under here, but I've been telling everyone it's sun smart," Simpson said.
"If I start getting a kick, I might run with it - if I'm not getting a kick, I might get rid of it."
Simpson decided to let his beard grow after watching Malceski and his luxuriant facial growth be part of Sydney's premiership last September.
"He seemed to go alright with it, so we'll see how we go," Simpson said.
He suspects new coach Mick Malthouse might already have decided which of the three candidates will be the next Carlton captain.
But each will have a chance to lead the team during the NAB Cup.
"For me, it's just an honour to be mentioned in the running with the likes of Marc and Andrew," Simpson said.
"We'll see how we go in the trials (during) the NAB Cup and I'm sure Mick will make a decision after that.
"I'm sure Mick has a fair idea of who he wants."
Whoever takes the job, Simpson said he, Murphy and Carrazzo had taken confidence from being captaincy candidates.
"Once we were named in the leadership group over in Arizona (late last year), it gives you the right to speak up and speak your mind," he said.
"The players voted us into that role, so they've really given us the licence to speak our mind and say things how we see it."
