Carlton stars Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs have this week put pen to paper, signing contract extensions with the Carlton Football Club for a further three and two years respectively.

General Manager Football Operations, Andrew McKay, said it was great news for the Carlton Football Club to have two of the young stars of the competition committing to the Club.

“We are delighted Bryce and Matthew have agreed to continue their exciting careers at the Carlton Football Club,” McKay said.

“Both commenced their AFL careers here after being recruited with the number one selection in consecutive drafts and both are vital members of our playing group, on and off the field,” added McKay.
 
At just 23, Bryce has twice placed third in Carlton’s Best and Fairest (John Nicholls Medal) and has been a member of Carlton’s leadership group for the last two seasons. So highly regarded, Gibbs was included in Carlton’s extended leadership group for his first season at Carlton in 2007.

The former South Australian was recruited from Glenelg with Carlton’s first selection, number one overall, in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, and is delighted that his new deal will ensure he remains at the Blues until at least the end of 2014.

“I am very pleased the contract has been finalised. There was never any thought of not being at Carlton as this is where I want to be, Carlton has become a real home to me since I left Adelaide when I was 17,” Bryce told CFCTV in an exclusive interview at Visy Park today.

“The group has developed and matured so much in recent season, and I look forward to the opportunities that are before us, building a successful team and importantly a successful club.”

Gibbs made his debut in round one 2007 and has missed just two games since making his debut, one of which being last year’s disappointing elimination loss to the West Coast Eagles in Perth.

Matthew Kreuzer said his new three year contract was testament to the faith he had with the Blues.

“We have such a great group of guys here at the Club and I am excited to be a part of this playing group,” he said.

“This is my club, I have played all my senior football here and feel part of the Carlton family. The growth of the club since I arrived has been fantastic and I am looking forward to enjoying success with this playing group at Carlton.”

Matthew, who turned 23 last month, was Carlton’s first pick, number one overall, in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. Recruited from St Mary’s via Northern Knights Under 18s, he made his debut in Round three 2008 against Essendon after missing the first two matches of the season through injury.

After playing 56 consecutive games following his debut he suffered a season ending knee injury in round 13, 2010, returning to the Blues line up in round 12, 2011. A foot injury in round 24 last year kept him out of Carlton’s two finals matches.

“It was tough sitting watching the games while I was out injured, being young made it even harder, but the support given to me by the Club and the supporters certainly confirmed Carlton Football Club is where I want to be. My aim is certainly to be a one club player,” Kreuzer added.

Bryce Gibbs
122 Games, 64 Goals - to round 10, 2012
3rd place in John Nicholls Medal in 2009 & 2011
Carlton Pre-season premiership player in 2007
Carlton Best First Year Player in 2007
NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee in 2007
International Rules Series 2010
1100 player to represent Carlton in the AFL

Bryce wears Guernsey Number 4
Carlton President Stephen Kernahan who was also recruited from Glenelg wore number 4 for Carlton in 251 games, including two premierships.


Matthew Kreuzer
77 Games, 43 Goals - to round 10, 2012
Carlton Best First Year Player in 2008
NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee in 2008
Carlton’s priority selection, number one overall, in the 2007 NAB AFL National Draft
1112 player to represent Carlton in the AFL


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