Carlton’s full playing list will resume training on Monday – with one man in particular looking forward to being able to put in the hard yards.

Matthew Kreuzer will step out with the team buoyed by the knowledge that, all things going well, he can put in a full pre-season ahead of 2015.

The big man endured a horror season this year, being restricted to just the one game by a foot injury that required further surgery. It was a lengthy road to recovery, but Kreuzer had been hopeful of returning for the back end of the season. However as luck – or lack thereof – would have it, Kreuzer was struck down by illness on the cusp of his return.

Several months in the gym, a holiday to Queensland and a wedding behind him, Kreuzer is now ready to get to work with his teammates. Carlton coach Mick Malthouse expects the 2007 No. 1 draft pick will return as hungry as ever.


Carlton fans will be hoping to see Matthew Kreuzer's familiar set-shot routine a lot more in 2015. (Photo: AFL Photos)

“It’s a year he will probably put behind him (and) gain some inspiration from, because he’s one of those characters who will look at the positive side and say: ‘ok this has just helped me,’” Malthouse said.

“He’s got so much to add to our football side: he’s aggressive, he’s a multi-positional player, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he bleeds blue blood.

“I think every player in the club, every official in the football club, wants him to succeed (and) wants him to have a little bit of luck.

“I feel very confident he will have a great season ... and marriage will just top it off.”