Carlton ruck Matthew Kreuzer determined to have impact in front of goal this season

HE was one of the top picks in SuperCoach last season and now Matthew Kreuzer has a surprise in store for 2018 which could lead to even more points. But will you be picking him?

MATTHEW Kreuzer wants to add another string to his bow this season and become a weapon in front of goal.

The Carlton ruck, 28, said he now understands his body and that his best football is ahead of him.

And one major focus this season will be moving forward and having an impact, both when stationed there and from the ruck.

ROOKIE BIBLE: CHEAP PLAYERS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

ROOKIE BIBLE: THE MATURE AGED PLAYERS YOU NEED

HAMSTRING INJURY TO SIDELINE GARY ABLETT

JLT REVEALS MUST HAVE SUPERCOACH DEFENDERS

“I would like to hit the scoreboard a little bit more, so (I’ve been) just working on that — a little bit of forward line stuff,” Kreuzer said.

“That’s probably one part of my game I’ve got to grow.

“The way the game’s going, you’ve got to be able to play those multiple positions. So spending a bit more time forward and also getting down there while I’m in the ruck.”

Matthew Kreuzer wants to hit the scoreboard more in 2018. Picture: Getty

Kreuzer — who booted 12 goals last season — is anticipating working closely with recruit Matthew Lobbe who landed at the Blues during the most recent trade period.

“Matt’s a great athlete and he can play those two positions as well,” he said.

“We’ve been working well together over the pre-season.”

The ruck, who is in his 11th season at Ikon Park, has battled frustrating foot injuries in recent years but said he remained hopeful that a finals berth would not elude him before his career ends.

Levi Casboult and Matthew Kreuzer at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

He said he has been feeling good this preseason, and had learned to listen to what his body had been telling him.

“I sort of understand my body a little bit more and also all of our medical staff here have been really good,” Kreuzer said.

“I’ve sort of learnt how to train my body a little bit and what I need to do. Hopefully it leaves me in good stead so far.”

Carlton will play St Kilda in a JLT Community Series match at Carlton’s headquarters on Wednesday night.
But despite suggestions from AFL Women’s coach Craig Starcevich that the ground’s lighting was sub-par, Kreuzer was confident that the stadium will be up to scratch.

“I saw that (the comments) — they’re putting a few extra lights in,” he said.

“We’ve trained a few times in those conditions and we hadn’t noticed it. Whatever it is, it is.”