IT was first game, first win for returning ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

Kreuzer was instrumental in Carlton’s 44-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

The Blues’ big man spoke to media on Tuesday following his 25-hitout performance on the weekend.

“Going into the game we just knew we had to play four quarters against the Dogs,” said Kreuzer.

“It’s always nice winning, but the four weeks previous we had been in games right up to the end.”

Kreuzer sat out the first four rounds of the season while recovering from minor knee surgery in January, marking an end to what has been a challenging twelve months for the experienced Blue.  

“It has been frustrating the last twelve months,” he said. 

“I was edging to get back a little bit earlier, but they just wanted to make sure we did the work and that we have whole year and a clear run at it.”

The Blues’ midfielders benefitted from Kreuzer’s ruckwork against the Bulldogs, but the always humble Kreuzer was quick to credit his young teammates in the emphatic victory.

“Walshy has come straight in and played terrific footy and just fitted straight in,” he said of young gun Sam Walsh.

“We’ve got a good game plan, good coaching staff so we just need to keep continuing to learn from each week and go forward from there.”

The Blues will face Hawthorn at York Park in Launceston on Sunday in what has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the Hawks. 

Kreuzer will likely come face to face premiership ruckman Ben McEvoy when these two sides meet, a challenge he won’t take lightly.

“Hawthorn are a great team and have been for a number of years so we’re going to be in for a real contest this week,” he said of the upcoming opponent.

“I’ve played against Ben for a few years now and have had some good battles and enjoy playing against him so looking forward to it.”