AFL 2024: Nathan Kreuger, Jack Bytel delisted by Collingwood

The AFL career of a promising key position prospect could be over as the Magpies clear room for a St Kilda recruit.

Collingwood has axed three players including luckless tall Nathan Kreuger in a second round of delistings as list space is cleared for a mature-age recruit.

Kreuger, 25, was not offered a new contract after repeat injuries kept him to only 13 senior games in his three years at the club.

Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch said on Wednesday the club was hunting for “battering rams” to ease the physical burden on first-choice key forwards Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay, but Kreuger was deemed surplus to requirements.

SSP recruits Jack Bytel and Josh Eyre were also delisted after Eyre made a delayed start to the season with a severe hamstring injury and Bytel was called upon for seven senior games.

Leppitsch thanked the trio for their professionalism amid limited opportunities at senior level.

“While only with us for a short period, Jack and Josh added value to both our VFL and AFL programs, and we thank them for their dedication,” Leppitsch said.

Shoulder and ankle injuries along with concussions hampered Nathan Kreuger through his three seasons at Collingwood after he played two games for Geelong in 2021. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

“Nathan’s resilience to return from numerous injuries, and remain committed to his football and this program, needs to be commended.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish each player all the very best and we hope they continue to work towards reaching their football potential.”

Collingwood was expected to sign at least one of out-of-contract St Kilda duo Tim Membrey and Jack Hayes on Thursday after Membrey had a medical last week.

The Magpies had also been linked to Melbourne free agent Adam Tomlinson, but the Demons said on Wednesday night they had not had contact from other clubs about the experienced defender.

Contract decisions remained on Reef McInnes, Charlie Dean, and SSP duo Lachie Sullivan and Ned Long, who all played senior football in 2024.

The Magpies hold picks 52, 55 and 58 in the draft after trading out early selections to secure Lachie Schultz last year and Port Adelaide star Dan Houston for next season.

Ruckman Aiden Begg was delisted in an earlier round of list changes, and midfielder Josh Carmichael was forced into medical retirement alongside Nathan Murphy due to concussion.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Nathan Kreuger, Jack Bytel delisted by Collingwood