The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 8, Matthew Kreuzer.
GAMES
Season 2017: 21
Career: 161
GOALS
Season 2017: 12
Career: 84
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):
Disposals: 321 (15.29) Kicks: 206 (9.81) Marks: 69 (3.29) Contested possessions: 206 (9.81) Contested marks: 19 (0.90) Hitouts: 665 (31.67) Clearances: 94 (4.48) Tackles: 107 (5.10)
OVERVIEW
Kreuzer’s 10th season was without a doubt the best of his career.
Reaping the rewards of an injury-free pre-season, the Blues’ big man battled manfully in each of his 21 appearances, averaging 15.29 disposals, 4.48 clearances and 31.67 hitouts per game.
The much-loved ruckman celebrated his 150th match in style with a one-point win over Greater Western Sydney in Round 12. In another outstanding performance, Kreuzer inspired his teammates with 21 possessions, 33 hitouts, six marks and a goal.
Throughout the season, the 28-year-old was a frequent feature in AFL Media’s Team of the Week, and was rewarded for his outstanding year on the park, named in the initial 2017 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian squad.
Finishing second at Carlton for tackles (107), third for total contested possessions (206) and contested marks (19), fourth for clearances (94) and fifth for one-percenters (63), he appears destined for a career-best finish in the Club’s John Nicholls Medal next week.
After signing a two-year contract extension following the final round of the home-and-away season, Kreuzer is set to return to the Blues’ line-up even more dangerous in 2018.
BEST PERFORMANCE
When the spotlight was on in his 150th appearance, the No.8 delivered.
‘Kreuz’ got the better of Giants ruckman Shane Mumford, while he also managed to win the ground balls to record a game-high 12 contested possessions in a display which earned him eight AFL Coaches Association votes.
Matthew Kreuzer celebrated his 150th in style. (Photo: AFL Media)
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Kreuzer's follow-up efforts are first class, and there was no better example than his inspirational score involvement in the fourth term against the Giants.
With the Blues leading by a solitary point, the big man dispossessed Tom Scully before hunting down the loose ball and booting it 30m off the ground to the chest of Dale Thomas, who set up Matthew Wright for a crucial goal.
If you were wondering why Kreuzer is nicknamed 'The Tractor', you only need to revisit this highlight.
