Career: 1989–1991
Debut: Round 1, 1989 vs Footscray, aged 22 years, 3 days
957th Carlton Player
Games: 38
Goals: 33
Last game: Round 24, 1991 vs Richmond, aged 24 years, 155 days
Guernsey No. 15
Height: 185cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 29 March, 1967
Simon Verbeek was a football journeyman. From his hometown at St Arnaud, he played in a Richmond 1985 U/19's premiership, the next two seasons he played reserve grade football with the Tigers. He was then cut from the final list and then crossed to VFA club Oakleigh, Richmond again invited him to Punt Road for 1988 pre-season, but he was unable to break into the Tigers' senior team. His coach at Oakleigh, was ex Blues premiership winger, Bryan Quirk, he notified Carlton and the Blues invited Verbeek to Carlton for a tryout.
The Blues gave him that opportunity by recruiting him with selection 12 in the 1989 Pre-Season Draft, and Verbeek responded with a solid debut season to win our Best First Year Player award. Verbeek's strength was he had a good set of hands and was very strong overhead.
From then on, Simon always seemed to be on the verge of a good career, but unfortunately couldn’t take the extra step required to become an established League footballer. He spent three seasons at Princes Park, and despite occasional flashes of brilliance, was delisted in 1991.
Verbeek also played for the Victorian U/17's team in 1984.
Career Highlights
1989 - 6th Best & Fairest1989 - Best First Year Player Award
1990 - Reserves Premiership Player