Kreuger bounces back after draft upset

IT was one game that announced Nathan Kreuger to AFL recruiters.

But it’s what the 19-year-old South Australian has done in the 12 months since his draft heartbreak that has now seen him finally earn a spot on an AFL list.

Kreuger was one of the unlucky stories to come from the 2017 draft — despite fielding interest from a lot of clubs, the smooth-moving key forward was overlooked in both the national and rookie drafts.

But instead of sulking, Kreuger promised to take his opportunity with South Adelaide in the SANFL and become a more rounded player.

Yesterday his AFL dream was turned into a reality with Geelong snapping him up after trading pick 42 to Carlton to get access to one of its state league picks.

“Obviously my draft year didn’t go to plan so I had to put my head down and work hard for this year. Obviously it has paid off,” Kreuger told the Geelong Advertiser.

“I went in expecting to get drafted as every young kid does when it’s their draft year and you go to the draft combine.

“But it didn’t happen for me and it was a kick in the guts.

“There were two ways I could have gone. I could have sat back and let it all happen or put my head down, work hard. I got the opportunity at South Adelaide and I’ve never looked back.

“I’m not going to lie, I felt sorry for myself for about two days. Then I snapped out of it.”

Kreuger caught the attention of recruiters during the under-18 national carnival against Vic Metro last season, racking up 16 disposals, taking eight marks and having five inside-50s.

Athletic and a strong mark, his display that day led to interviews with “seven or eight” AFL clubs.

But Kreuger managed to get himself concussed from a head clash in a tackle in the next game of the championships at Kardinia Park.