“CARLTON has been a big part of my life.”
And at 30 years of age, Matthew Kreuzer is just as big a part of Carlton.
In re-signing for season 2020, Kreuzer will take his service to the Navy Blue into a 13th year.
Speaking following his re-signing, Kreuzer said there was never any doubt when it came to extending his stay — and the reason was two-fold.
“One [reason] is I always wanted to be a one-club player,” Kreuzer said.
“Number two, the list at the moment is really exciting and we’ve got some really good young players coming through.
“They’ve shown that in the last couple of weeks with the way we’ve been playing footy.”
A hit with the Carlton supporter base from the outset, Kreuzer has elevated his game in recent seasons since being selected as the No.1 pick back in 2007.
After a career-best season in 2017 which saw him unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection, Kreuzer has overturned what was a frustrating 2018 to return back to his best this year.
Conceding there had been some “ups and downs” along the way with injury, Kreuzer said he was thrilled to be part of a club building something big.
“The Club is in a really good place at the moment,” he said.
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“You can see it in the crowd… it really drives us as players. The more we can win games and continue to grow, the bigger the crowd is going to get.
“It’s always nice hearing the crowd yell your name. I get a buzz out of it.”
Kreuzer has been a cult hero at Ikon Park since his arrival over a decade ago.
Now, with Carlton’s next wave emerging, ‘the Tractor’ can’t wait to charge forward alongside a who’s who of young talent.
“I’m at the back end now and I’m seeing these young kids come through,” he said.
“I’m just trying to [ass on as much knowledge and experience as I can to them.
“I’m looking forward to those guys continuing to grow and playing with guys like Walshy, Paddy Dow and Samo. They’re really exciting players.”
