The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016. 

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14th 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’s No. 8, Matthew Kreuzer: 

GAMES

Season 2016: 21

Career: 140 

GOALS

Season 2016: 7

Career: 72

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 231 (11.00)

Kicks: 136 (6.48)

Marks: 46 (2.19)

Contested possessions: 147 (7.00)

Uncontested possessions: 84 (4.00)

Tackles: 84 (4.00)

Hit-outs: 429 (20.43) 

OVERVIEW

Matthew Kreuzer pulled on his No.8 guernsey 21 times this year – a significant achievement for the ruckman who only managed a total of 14 games over the previous two seasons. 

After playing seven games in a row, there was a collective gasp when the big man injured his knee against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium in Round 8. 

Despite tweaking his meniscus in the second quarter, Kreuzer delivered an outstanding performance not only in the ruck, but also all around the ground. The 27-year-old managed 38 hit-outs for the game – Port Adelaide totalled 27 collectively.

In a testament to his character, Kreuzer only missed one match, returning to the line-up against Geelong in Round 10. Once again his fight, determination and competitive edge were on show. ‘Kreuz’ gathered 15 disposals, 17 hit-outs and 12 tackles in an instrumental performance in his side’s 19-point victory.

 

HE SAID IT

"I went to see the surgeon and it wasn't a massive deal. I just needed to get the meniscus trimmed up and then I just smashed the rehab the whole week and it came up pretty well.” 

– Kreuzer discusses his knee injury in the weeks after the Port clash.

THEY SAID IT

“You can hear it from our members when he (Kreuzer) gets near the ball. That’s the external, but he's also the spirit within our group. When big blokes play well and tackle like that, others follow." 

- Coach Brendon Bolton praises Kreuzer’s efforts in his post-match press conference after Round 10’s win over Geelong.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

‘Kreuz’ brought the house down with his match-winning goal against Port Adelaide in Round 8. With only four minutes to go, the big man’s long-range snap put the Blues in front. Carlton ultimately ended up winning the match, notching up the Club’s fourth consecutive victory for the season.