Carlton tasted finals success in Season 2013, with a thrilling win over Richmond at the MCG.
But the Blues’ season came to an end, against Sydney in the Semi-Finals at ANZ Stadium.
With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics, next is Carlton’s No. 8, Matthew Kreuzer
Matthew Kreuzer (#8)
GAMES
Season 2013: 17
Career: 105
GOALS
Season 2013: 8
Career: 56
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):
Disposals: 195 (11.5) Marks: 56 (3.3) Tackles: 71 (4.2) Contested Marks: 22 (1.3) Hit Outs: 428 (25.2) Marks Inside 50: 17 (1.0)
OVERVIEW
Matthew Kreuzer enjoyed another solid AFL season in 2013. The big man led the side in hitouts (428) despite missing seven matches through injury, including the Blues’ semi-final loss to Sydney.
The 24-year-old’s stand-out performance of the year came in the one-point win over the Kangaroos in Round 17. Kreuzer finished the game with 17 touches, including a match-saving mark in the dying seconds.
Off the field Kreuzer’s love of motorbikes saw him take on a new role in 2013, as the Ambassador for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
IN THE NEWS
Kreuzer thrilled with milestone
Ton up and beyond declares “Kreuze”
Kreuzer: We have a lot to prove
Fit Kreuzer set for a big 2013
HE SAID IT
"I finally got there. The first 50 (games) were pretty much in a row and then I was a little bit up and down after that. It's nice to get there and I look forward to the coming years.” - Matthew Kreuzer speaking after his 100th AFL game, Saturday 13 July.
THEY SAID IT
"He's (Kreuzer) served his apprenticeship and I think in the next 30-40 games he'll really come into his own.
"If he doesn’t get more serious injuries he could play another 150-200 games. If that happens, he'll just keep getting better and become not only one of the best ruckmen but one of the best players in the competition.
“He can do things that other ruckmen can't. What's underestimated is his ability to do things after he hits the ball. He doesn’t just stand back and let the little fellas fight for the ball; he lays tackles and shepherds and stays in the contest. He certainly imposes himself.” – Former Carlton premiership ruckman Justin Madden, Saturday 27 July.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Kreuzer played his 100th AFL game in the Round 16 clash with St Kilda, being particularly influential in that match, with 14 disposals, 33 hitouts and a goal, to see him feature in Carlton’s best.
