Since the turn of the millennium there have been unique moments at North Melbourne which have defined the club, inspired a generation and ignited the hearts of all football fans and supporters. There have been extreme highs and devastating lows…all of which will never be forgotten.

In a new feature on kangaroos.com.au we look back at some of the most memorable moments at North Melbourne which took place between the years 2000 and 2009. Today we reflect on Adam Simpson's final game against Carlton.

Adam Simpson’s last week as a Kangaroo was full of drama and emotion.

The club veteran announced his retirement from the game and was set to play his 306th and last match against Carlton on Friday night football.

However, his hopes of a fairytale finish looked to have been dashed when he severely tore his calf muscle on the last training session on the day before the game.

“I told him it was as bad as it could be for that type of injury. His calf was severely damaged and in normal terms would have seen him sidelined for at least four weeks,” club doctor Con Mitropoulos said.
As news quickly spread about the training mishap, doubts about Simpson ability to play began to emerge. Suddenly it appeared that the former captain’s career had ended somewhat prematurely.

Simpson though, wasn’t ready to give up and he embarked on a rehabilitation blitz which included hours of icing, massage and the use of crutches.

Luckily for Simpson, the club was willing to give him every opportunity to play.

“I felt that he deserved the chance to prove his fitness and told him he had until the warm-up on Friday night to make the call. I must admit, I had serious doubts,” caretaker coach Darren Crocker said.
In the hours leading up to his big night, Simpson was still struggling to walk, but to the surprise of many, he managed to make it to the North change rooms at Etihad Stadium unaided.

He headed straight for the medical room and the door quickly closed behind him.

Daniel Harris was on standby as the designated emergency player.

News bulletins continued to speculate Simpson would be a late withdrawal but minutes out from the opening bounce, the number seven emerged from the player’s race with his young children Milla, Allie and Owen who helped him break through the banner and run out onto the ground.
Simpson had a remarkable 20 possessions to go along with six courageous tackles. On three other occasions he set up goals but unfortunately the Kangaroos kicked themselves out of the match with a staggering nine behinds in the final term.

Simpson walked away as a dual premiership player, Best and Fairest winner, All-Australian, former captain, equal-second games record holder and North Melbourne champion.