OVERVIEW

Athletic tall Nathan Kreuger had some flashes of brilliance in his bottom-age year but has been unable to put the whole package together in his draft year. In the SANFL Under 17s clash, Kreuger had some outstanding moments of play in the third quarter playing in the defensive half of the ground - but showed as a bottom-ager that there was no area on the ground that he couldn't play in. This year, Kreuger has struggled to occupy the one position - but did play one of his best games of the season for South Australia in the National Under 18 Championships against Vic Metro at Etihad Stadium, where he booted one goal from 16 disposals and clunked eight marks. The raw talls marks the ball well and moves very well around the ground, but needs to improve his consistency at the State League level once he is drafted.

STRENGTHS

• Agility
• Strength
• Marking
• Versatility

Kreuger's mobility is outstanding during the game and he is a tough match up. At October's National Draft Combine, Kreuger's agility time of 8.21 seconds was the fifth best time overall recorded at the testing. When he plays, his movement and ability to spin out of trouble is noticeable and is a key trait when he plays football.

At 88.9 kilograms, Kreuger does have strength to mark the ball in a contest at either end of the ground. Whilst when he does pinch hit throw the middle, he can win the contested possessions and fight hard as a bigger body. His marking is very good, where he averaged 4.5 marks in the SANFL Under 18s, and was equally impressive in the National Under 18 Championships playing up forward for South Australia.

Kreuger's versatility is important, where he can play anywhere on the ground. His athletic nature can make him appealing as a defender, where he can play on the talls or smalls - but he looked most at home when he was utilised up forward throughout the year for South Adelaide and South Australia. While he did pinch hit at times through the midfield, it's probably unlikely that he ends up as a midfielder at the next level.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Skills
• Consistency

Like most talls, Kreuger's consistency is an area that can be addressed. There aren't too many games this season that he has taken from the scruff of the neck and been able to truly dominate right throughout the game. If he can improve his consistency and possibly settle as a key forward, it may help him be able to work on his game and improve his output.

Kreuger's skills are okay - but it is an area that could be tweaked just a little. This might help him hit targets when rebounding the ball out of defensive 50 and help him hit up forwards when he pushes a little further up the ground rather than being deep inside 50.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late/Rookie

SUMMARY

Kreuger has some outstanding athletic traits that will appeal to clubs looking for some value late in the draft. While he has plenty of upside, clubs will be looking for a better output and consistency from him throughout his first few seasons should they be drafting him. The potential for Kreuger is huge, and is he is prepared to put the time and effort in - I think he can develop into a fine player and show why he was capable of being drafted higher than he was.