Season 2015 was a challenging year for the Carlton Football Club, which ultimately finished 18th on the ladder.

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer:

GAMES
Season 2015: 13
Career: 119

GOALS
Season 2014: 9
Career: 65

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 166 (12.77) Contested Possessions: 93 (7.15) Hit-Outs: 276 (21.23) Tackles: 55 (4.23) Clearances: 40 (3.08)

OVERVIEW

Kreuzer made his much-anticipated return to senior football this year, after an injury in the opening round of 2014 saw the big man spend last year on the sidelines. His journey back to senior football has been one of determination, will and grit.

After a positive pre-season Kreuzer looked set to make his return early in 2015, but fate would see him re-injure his troublesome foot – luckily to a lesser extent.

Once he overcame this final hurdle the mobile ruck managed to play a few games in the VFL for the Northern Blues, before making his return to the senior side in Round 10 against Adelaide. In his first game back Kreuzer managed 11 disposals, two goals and four tackles, but it was his fierce competitiveness and ability to clunk a mark which stood out.

The roar of KREUUUZZZ was back and it was louder than ever!

In Round 15 the No.8 found himself at the centre of controversy after taking a wonderful grab against Richmond – which ultimately wasn’t paid. It saw Blues fans flock to social media to vent their frustration.

Kreuzer ended the season by inking a new two-year contract that will keep him in the navy blue jumper until at least the end of 2017.

HE SAID IT
“It was a frustrating start to the year but I put a lot of work in over that time and it probably helped playing two games in the VFL. Those games gave me match fitness and a bit more time around the ball…so once I got back I felt really confident and it’s good to be back playing.

- Matthew Kreuzer speaking to SEN in August about his return to senior football.

THEY SAID IT

- The footy world was baffled when Matthew Kreuzer was somehow not paid this mark against Richmond.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
In Carlton’s win against Melbourne in Round 21, Kreuzer played his best game for the season. The big ruckman had 17 disposals, 22 hit-outs, five tackles and booted three goals. The most memorable goal, which gave most Bluebaggers goosebumps, also involved Carlton young gun Patrick Cripps. After bursting through the centre evading tacklers, Cripps handballed the footy to Kreuzer who was on the run as he slotted it home from the 50m line – definitely one for the highlight reel!