Collingwood’s Nathan Kreuger Finds New Home: 25-Year-Old Set for Familiar Club Return
In a surprising yet welcome turn of events for both the player and the Collingwood Football Club, Nathan Kreuger, the dynamic forward who was originally drafted by the Magpies, has secured a return to the club for the 2024 AFL season. This move marks a significant development in Kreuger’s career and represents a new chapter in his AFL journey.
At 25 years old, Kreuger is still in the prime of his playing career, and his return to Collingwood is expected to inject fresh energy and depth into the club’s forward line. Although Kreuger is no stranger to Collingwood, having been originally drafted to the club in 2017, his journey in the AFL has been anything but linear, marked by injury setbacks, a brief stint at Geelong, and ongoing attempts to find consistent form.
In this detailed report, we explore the background behind Kreuger’s initial departure from Collingwood, his time at Geelong, the challenges he faced, and how his return to the Magpies could impact both his career and the broader dynamics of the club’s forward structure. We also analyze the strategic decisions involved, and what this move means for Collingwood in the upcoming season.
Nathan Kreuger’s Early Years and Initial Draft to Collingwood
Nathan Kreuger’s AFL story began in 2017 when he was selected by Collingwood with pick 46 in the AFL Draft. A promising key forward from South Australia, Kreuger showed potential as a mobile and athletic tall forward, capable of not only kicking goals but also presenting as a strong marking target. His combination of height, speed, and agility made him an intriguing prospect for Collingwood, who had been seeking additional depth in their forward line.
During his early years at the Magpies, Kreuger faced stiff competition for senior spots in a forward line already featuring some of the game’s best players, including superstar forward Jordan De Goey. Despite showing glimpses of his potential in the VFL, Kreuger struggled to break into the senior side, partly due to a combination of form and injury concerns. This struggle for regular senior football led to frustration for both Kreuger and the club, and in 2020, after only a handful of appearances, he was traded to Geelong.
The Geelong Chapter: A New Opportunity and Injury Woes
Nathan Kreuger’s move to Geelong in 2021 marked a new chapter in his AFL career. Geelong, known for its stability and strong culture, provided Kreuger with an opportunity to work under the guidance of a club renowned for its development of key forwards. The expectation was that Kreuger could find a new lease on life in Geelong’s forward line, learning from established players like Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, both of whom are among the AFL’s most prominent forwards.
However, Kreuger’s time at Geelong was marred by injuries, which prevented him from making the desired impact at AFL level. He struggled to secure a regular spot in the senior side, spending much of his time in the VFL, where he was a strong contributor but failed to secure a spot in the Cats’ star-studded forward line. Although Kreuger’s talent was never in question, his development was hindered by physical setbacks, including a persistent shoulder issue that required surgery.
By 2023, Kreuger had only managed a handful of games for Geelong. Despite this, there were still indications that Kreuger had a future in the AFL if he could stay healthy and regain his confidence. But with the rise of younger players at Geelong, and the club’s need to make room for emerging talent, it was clear that Kreuger’s future at the Cats was uncertain.
The Return to Collingwood: A Familiar Yet Fresh Start
After two seasons at Geelong, Nathan Kreuger found himself on the move once again. In what can only be described as a homecoming, Kreuger was traded back to Collingwood in the 2023-24 off-season, much to the delight of both the player and the club’s supporters. While some may have viewed Kreuger’s AFL career as somewhat uncertain after his struggles at Geelong, Collingwood’s decision to bring him back speaks volumes about the club’s faith in his abilities.
Collingwood’s list management team, under the leadership of Graham Wright and coach Craig McRae, has long been known for making shrewd acquisitions. The Magpies’ recruitment team clearly saw value in bringing Kreuger back into the fold, believing that his athleticism and potential could add depth to their forward line. While the club’s senior forward line is already packed with quality players like De Goey, Jamie Elliott, and Brody Mihocek, Kreuger offers something a little different—a versatile option who can play both as a marking target and as a mobile forward.
In a club that thrives on high-pressure football and relentless tackling, Kreuger’s ability to work hard defensively, apply pressure, and use his mobility to break free of defenders could prove to be an invaluable asset. His history with Collingwood, combined with his experience at Geelong, gives him the type of AFL smarts and maturity that should be beneficial as he embarks on this next phase of his career.
What Kreuger Brings to Collingwood’s Forward Line
While it is unlikely that Kreuger will come in and immediately assume a starring role in Collingwood’s forward line, his presence gives coach Craig McRae another versatile option for 2024. With Collingwood’s forward structure heavily reliant on key players like Mihocek and Elliott, Kreuger could serve as a perfect complement to these attacking threats. His ability to play as both a traditional key forward and as a mobile, roaming forward makes him a unique asset for Collingwood’s game plan, which is known for its fast-paced, high-pressure style of play.
One of Kreuger’s strengths is his ability to create a contest in the air. While not the tallest player in the league, his impressive leap and strong hands allow him to contest aerial balls with the best of them. This is crucial in the modern game, where forward pressure and contested marks are vital to a team’s success. Kreuger’s athleticism could allow him to be a key contributor in Collingwood’s forward line rotations, adding flexibility and depth.
Beyond his ability to impact the scoreboard, Kreuger’s tackling and pressure work could also provide value. Collingwood’s forwards are expected to contribute defensively, and Kreuger’s ability to apply pressure and force turnovers in the forward half aligns perfectly with the club’s defensive-first mentality. In a squad known for its ability to lock down the ball and turn defense into attack quickly, Kreuger fits the bill as a forward who can not only convert scoring opportunities but also apply pressure to the opposition when the ball is in their defensive zone.
What the Future Holds for Nathan Kreuger
As Kreuger looks ahead to the 2024 AFL season, he will likely face a number of challenges as he seeks to solidify his place in the senior team. Given the strength and depth of Collingwood’s forward line, breaking into the best 22 on a regular basis will be no small feat. However, Kreuger’s versatility, athleticism, and ability to play multiple roles make him a valuable depth player who can slot into various positions when required.
A strong pre-season will be critical for Kreuger, who will need to show that he is fit, ready, and capable of making an impact at the highest level. His previous experiences at Collingwood and Geelong will undoubtedly serve him well as he looks to reintegrate himself into the Collingwood system and contribute to the team’s pursuit of a premiership.
Given Collingwood’s strong performance in recent seasons, including their 2023 Grand Final appearance and overall improvement under McRae’s coaching, Kreuger’s return comes at an exciting time for the club. The Magpies are in contention to be one of the top teams in the league once again, and Kreuger will likely relish the opportunity to add to the team’s success.
Impact on Collingwood’s Strategy and Forward Depth
The addition of Nathan Kreuger has the potential to reshape Collingwood’s forward options for the 2024 season. While Mihocek, De Goey, and Elliott have been the mainstays in recent years, Kreuger provides McRae with further flexibility. If Kreuger can regain his peak form and prove to be the player he was touted to be when originally drafted, he could provide valuable support to Collingwood’s existing forward options.
With an AFL season being long and full of challenges, having depth in key positions is a luxury for any team, and Collingwood’s ability to rotate its forwards could be a major factor in maintaining fitness and form across the year. Kreuger could be called upon to provide fresh legs, offer a new dynamic in attack, or even serve as a tactical change if the Magpies need to alter their game plan.
Conclusion: A Promising Return for Kreuger and Collingwood
Nathan Kreuger’s return to Collingwood marks an exciting and optimistic new chapter in his AFL career. After years of setbacks and uncertainty, he finds himself back at the club where his journey began, with a chance to contribute to a team on the rise. Collingwood fans will be hoping that Kreuger’s time away from the club has allowed him to develop as a player, and his versatility, athleticism, and pressure game could provide the Magpies with another weapon as they aim for the top in 2024.
For Kreuger, this is a chance to show that he has more to offer at the highest level of Australian rules football. If he can stay injury-free and regain his confidence, he could be a valuable asset to a Collingwood team that looks set to challenge for AFL supremacy once again.
