GEELONG rookie Sam Simpson has been presented the club's No.37 guernsey for next season, taking on the number his father Sean wore in eight seasons with the Cats.

The Cats were able to rookie list Simpson under father-son rules last month when the Geelong Falcons product did not get selected at the national NAB AFL Draft.

The late developing midfielder came onto the scene this year at TAC Cup level but impressed with his poise and smarts.

Simpson only arrived back in Australia this week after being overseas for a school trip and has immediately got into training with the Cats.

He is the son of former Cats onballer Sean, who played 114 games for the club between 1991-98 after crossing from St Kilda, where he played seven games.

"It's a privilege to be here really and it's pretty surreal. I'm still getting my head around it all," Simpson said on Thursday.  

The Cats view Simpson as being likely to take some time before being ready for senior selection, with physical development the first priority for the skinny update.