DISCARDED Cat Scott Simpson will use the example of North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards in an attempt to rebuild his football career.
The 20-year-old will take the VFL route in a bid to return to the AFL after two injury riddled seasons at Skilled Stadium.
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Discarded Cats forward Scott Simpson will try his luck in the VFL next year.
Simpson said he was shocked when delisted by the Cats last month, but remained determined to play at the highest level.
"It was pretty surreal. They said it was a line ball decision and it went the other way, but footy's a tough industry and you've got to be mentally tough to make it," Simpson said.
"I haven't had the greatest start to my career with injuries, but hopefully it will turn around. I'm still recovering from my ankle (injury) and will have a limited pre-season.
"But hopefully I'll be up and running by January."
Frankston, Casey Scorpions and Sandringham loom as potential homes for Simpson, who plans to mix full-time study with football next season.
He trained with the Dolphins last night and plans to also have a look at the other two clubs to make an informed decision.
"I'm not nominating for the draft," he said.
"I'm just living back home in Mt Eliza and talking to a few VFL clubs but haven't decided on one yet. I've had a few meetings and I think that's my level at the moment.
"Hopefully it will give me options for the following year."
If he chooses to play at Frankston, the 196cm forward will have no better example to follow than Edwards, who booted 100 goals for the Dolphins and won the VFL best and fairest in 2006 to earn selection with North Melbourne later that year.
"He had a stellar year at Frankston and if I can produce what he produced that might open up some opportunities for me again," Simpson said.
"Centre half forward is my preferred position, but hopefully I can keep competing against the other AFL listed players. They (Frankston) are pretty keen. I just want to get down there and see what it's about."
Simpson's former teammates, Dan McKenna and Bryn Weadon, have chosen a different path to redemption.
Both have been training with Geelong's first and second year players since their delistings in the hope of receiving a second chance.
McKenna, whose delisting came as a surprise to many, was yesterday tightlipped about his future.
He was preferring to adopt a wait-and-see approach in the lead up to the national and rookie drafts.
