Matthew Kreuzer lodges clearance for potential local footy comeback
Retired Carlton star Matthew Kreuzer is weighing up a local footy comeback after lodging a clearance to a Northern Football League power.
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Retired Carlton star Matthew Kreuzer is weighing up a stint in local footy.
The 2007 No.1 draft pick and gun ruckman has lodged a clearance to join Northern Football League power Greensborough for the second half of the season.
Kreuzer, 33, has been training with the Borough since pre-season but hasn’t been able to make an official commitment to play.
The clearance was lodged before Friday’s deadline should he decide to don the green.
Greensborough president Russell Grubb rated Kreuzer a 75 per cent chance to play at least one game this year.
“He’s training (Tuesday) and training on Thursday night and just wants to get his body right,” he said.
“Who knows, eventually he will play, I’m sure he’ll play this year – at least one game, maybe three.
“We’ve got a clearance but he’s still got to get his body right.
“I don’t think he’ll be playing for a few more weeks but we’re hoping once he gets the bug he might not be able to help himself.”
Kreuzer retired from AFL football in 2020 after 189 games and 94 goals with Carlton after suffering a foot injury in his last game against Richmond.
He is currently serving as an assistant under Blues coach Michael Voss.
Kreuzer’s addition would be a major coup for Greensborough as it vies for the NFL Division 1 premiership.
The Borough has added two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy earlier this month after he called time on his AFL career.
Kreuzer would provide invaluable quality as a ruckman or key forward.
Grubb said just having him at training was a major boost to the club’s youngsters such as Rayden Garrard and Tom Brindley.
“It’s nice to have Matty at training and helping, he’s great around the club,” Grubb said.
“He just dominates at training, he’s a terrific guy, he’s helping the young ruckmen because we are struggling in that area, so it just lifts everyone.
“If he plays a game and we get up and he gets through it and we’re in the finals mix then there’s a chance of him playing three.
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“If the worlds come together then great but if they don’t, they don’t.”
Greensborough currently sit fourth, four games back of Bundoora in third and percentage ahead of West Preston-Lakeside in fifth after losing to the Roosters on Saturday.
The club hosts high-flying Montmorency at War Memorial Reserve on Saturday and expect Carlton VFL-listed gun Joel Trudgeon to be available.
Northern Bullants forward Tynan Smith could be available the following week against Northcote Park.
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