With his 99 AFL games having yielded just 30 wins, newly re-signed Carlton midfielder Kade Simpson says the enjoyment is rising as the Blues emerge from the gloom.

The 25-year-old Blue, who has signed on until the end of 2011, will play his 100th game against Essendon at the MCG on Friday night.

With the two clubs back in the finals hunt after years in the doldrums, it will be a match as important as any he has played since making his debut in mid-2003.

"It's good now that we're sort of starting to win a few games, it's been a lot more enjoyable this year than the past few years," Simpson said.

"Every game's a big game but Essendon are one of our biggest rivals, so it's going to be a big stage, hopefully we'll get a big crowd there.

"We need to get a win, so do they, to get ahead of the logjam that's from fourth down to 10th.

"Both teams need a win and whoever gets the points will put themselves above and a good chance to make finals."

With the Blues well in contention to experience September action for the first time since 2001 and their young list seemingly on track to improve further, Simpson said there had been no question he would stay on.

"I just agreed on terms for another two years, I'm very happy to stay and I love this club," he said.

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