By Travis Parnaby
Rookie Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has told aspiring AFL draftees of his first 12 months in the big time.
The 2007 Morrish Medallist was the special guest at this year's count and spoke of his time since he was last up on the Moonee Valley stage with compere Craig Willis.
In the 12 months since his Morrish Medal triumph, the ex-Northern Knight was drafted with the number one selection at the 2007 NAB AFL National Draft, played 20 AFL games and kicked 13 goals and finished fourth in the 2008 NAB Rising Star.
Kreuzer admitted his transition was a nervous one.
“I was very nervous but all the boys, coaches and support staff were welcoming to me and showed me the way," Kreuzer said.
“All pre-season they tried to develop me as much as possible."
His first hit out was a pre-season game against the Bulldogs.
“I went all right and got used to the speed of the game," he said.
“Even though TAC Cup is pretty quick, you’ve got bigger bodies and you don’t have that much time to think out there.”
Kreuzer said Carlton captain Chris Judd and coach Brett Ratten had been supportive.
“I couldn’t believe it. You sit back and watch what he (Judd) does even in the rooms and rehab – he’s just spot on," he said.
“Halfway through the year I was struggling through the games and he came over and had a chat and told me a few things that would help me get up and tried them and they worked. Yeah, very helpful.
“Ratts was really good to me in the first year, always giving me feedback, he was very helpful."
Playing in the ruck for much of the year saw the 200cm and 97kg teenager up against strong, veteran AFL men.
“There are some big boys, I just tried to go out each week and learn as much as possible off them," he said.
"Pick up little things off each one and use them the following week."
Kreuzer was confident Carlton was on the right track despite missing the finals in his maiden year.
“Just developing the game plan and gel as a group and hopefully go alright the next couple of years," he said.
Kreuzer also spoke of his cherished stint at the Northern Knights.
“Getting down with all your mates – you play against them in junior footy and make really good mates, which I still see today," Kreuzer said.
“The highlights would be making two preliminary finals. Even though we lost twice, it was really good times.”
Kreuzer admitted he found it strange to be up against his 2007 team mates Pat Veszpremi (Sydney Swans) and Trent Cotchin (Richmond).
“I got to play against Trent this year and it’s a bit weird running against him and trying to get the ball off him," he said.
Kreuzer advised the TAC Cup players gathered to take in the experience, rather than fret about AFL draft day.
“This time of year you’ve done everything you can so there’s no point worrying about it, just enjoy your time and what will happen, will happen,” Kreuzer said.
Last Modified on 27/01/2009 11:31
