CARLTON ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is tracking 'beautifully' as his lengthy comeback from foot surgery continues, coach Mick Malthouse says.
Kreuzer had a second bout of surgery in April this year after fracturing his foot in the 2013 elimination final against Richmond.
The No. 1 pick from the 2007 NAB AFL Draft has had his fair share of injury problems, including hip problems that he struggled with when he first came to the club and the serious knee injury in 2010, but things look to be turning.
"We are really rapt the way he's going, but we're also not silly enough to think he's going to train the four days or five days of the week," Malthouse told SEN on Tuesday morning.
"We've got to make sure we get him through the season and at peak fitness through the season.
"If there was a game tomorrow he could play in it."
That said, Malthouse reiterated the importance of managing the 25-year-old's workload given his past injury issues.
Kreuzer joined in main training at Visy Park on Monday and played predominantly as a deep forward as the Blues went through a series of full-ground drills.
Deciding whether to play Kreuzer up forward or in the ruck is a tough call for Malthouse, particularly given the Blues' lack of depth in those two areas.
Malthouse revealed the Blues would be targeting a developing ruckman in Wednesday's NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The Blues have three picks in the rookie draft, with the club committed to taking former Western Bulldog Jason Tutt in the pre-season draft.
"We probably need a young ruckman and we'll maybe look at the draft tomorrow (Wednesday)," Malthouse said.
"We're talking about an 18- or 19-year-old, but there's no great rucks standing outside the AFL at this stage."
