CARLTON Football Club is delighted to announce contract extensions for both Matthew Kreuzer and Sam Rowe, who have put pen to paper on new deals this week.

Kreuzer has agreed to terms for a further two years, while Rowe will remain in the navy blue until at least the end of 2018.

Carlton’s number one ruckman produced his best season to date in 2017, playing 21 games on his way to his first All Australian nomination earlier this week. The 28-year-old averaged 15 disposals, five clearances and 32 hitouts a game this season.

Rowe has been a regular senior player for the Blues since the start of the 2014 season, and was carving out a career-best season in 2017 before the 29-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in late May. The reliable defender finished fifth in the Club’s best and fairest count in 2014, and equal sixth last season.

Head of Football Andrew McKay said the Club was thrilled to retain the services of both Kreuzer and Rowe.

“To Matthew’s credit, he has been elite in his preparation and managing his body throughout the year and working closely with our high performance team which resulted in him playing 21 out of a possible 22 games this year,” McKay said.

“He is often referred to as a ‘heart and soul’ player for our Club and we’re delighted Matthew will be remaining in the navy blue for a further two years.

“Sam has been a consistent and durable performer for us since making his debut in 2013 and has been meticulous in his rehabilitation with his knee injury. The leadership and experience he has brought to our young backline has been invaluable and we look forward to welcoming him back for the start of the 2018 season.

“Matthew and Sam are integral members of the playing group and are both held in very high regard at the Club. We look forward to seeing them continue their careers in the navy blue.”

Kreuzer was selected by Carlton as the number one pick in the 2007 AFL National Draft and has since played 161 AFL games, booting 84 goals.

Originally taken by Sydney via the 2006 Rookie Draft, Rowe was selected by the Blues as a mature-age recruit in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft and has since played 82 senior games.