Beleaguered Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer took his first steps towards a return to football with a two-goal performance for the Northern Blues in the VFL on Sunday.
Playing just his second game in 14 months, Kreuzer was carefully managed through 75 per cent of the Blues’ 18-point win over Frankston at Dolphin Park.
The former No.1 draft pick has been to hell and back with injuries in his eight-year AFL career, with a foot injury sidelining the big man midway through the pre-season after a strong campaign leading up.
Speaking to carltonfc.com.au post-match, Kreuzer said his body felt good following his first hitout.
VIDEO: Kreuzer speaks to CFC TV
“It was just nice to walk off at the end of the game with a win,” Kreuzer said post-match.
“(The past 14 months) have been tough, but it is what is and I’m back playing now.
“I’m already looking forward to playing next week."
The ruckman spent nearly his entire time on the ground in forward 50 and heartened Blues fans when a Troy Menzel pass pin-pointed Kreuzer in full flight, before converting the 40m set shot all inside the opening minute.
He would finish with another goal added in the second quarter to have five disposals, five hitouts at forward stoppages and three marks.
“It was great to get my hands on the ball early and just to be back out there and playing a game of footy was nice," he said.
“It was nice to get up around the ball a little bit too, hit some bodies and just be around it.
“Hopefully going forward in the next couple of weeks, I’ll spend a bit more time up the ground and see how we go.”
