Kreuger,22,is also a Noongar man,who played two games in defence for Geelong late in 2021 before deciding to reject an offer from the Cats searching for more senior opportunities at Collingwood,who see him as a forward.
Adelaide Hall of Famer Andrew McLeod,who played football in the Northern Territory at the Darwin Buffaloes alongside Kreuger’s dad,Jamie,mentored the youngster from Victor Harbour before the Cats used pick 43 in the 2018 national draft to secure him.
Kreuger is the second Indigenous player added to the Magpies list in 2021 following Ash Johnson who came to the Magpies via Sturt after growing up in Halls Creek in this year’s mid-season draft.
The Demons have also said goodbye to Daniel McPherson,who has joined bottom-placed North Melbourne as their general manager of football performance,working alongside Brady Rawlings,who is now general manager of football talent.
Neville Jetta with Melbourne’s senior coach Simon Goodwin after the drought-breaking premiership.Credit:AFL Photos
McPherson,who joined the Dees in 2014 as an assistant coach,had been the club’s general manager of football operations AFL,AFLW,VFL and VFLW. The Kangaroos have undergone a major restructure of their football department,with several staff departing. Head doctor Bianca Scotney and sports scientist David Sobey were among those who left.
The Kangaroos again ranked worst in terms of games lost through injury,a statistic that frustrated coach David Noble in his maiden season.
McPherson,who watched first hand the influence fitness guru Darren Burgess had at Melbourne,hopes for change at Arden Street.
“One of his main philosophies was,if you can train,train. In the past,I am not specifically talking about Melbourne,I am talking about all the clubs I have had anything to do with,there are often times ... players will elect not to train or take the easy way out,” McPherson said.
“‘Burgo’ was really strong on,unless there is something seriously wrong with you,you will get out and you will train. And he is also really big on,any time you train,you train at a really high intensity. You train with purpose. I certainly think that is something that we can implement at North Melbourne really quickly.”
Burgess has also made an off-season move,joining the Adelaide Crows.
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