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In his first AFL game for more than 400 days, key forward Nathan Kreuger impressed with three goals as Collingwood beat Melbourne at the MCG.
While Nathan Kreuger's body has let him down repeatedly, the people closest to him and his own self-belief never have.
The Collingwood key forward's persistence paid off brilliantly on Monday as he kicked three goals in the AFL King's Birthday win over Melbourne.
It was Kreuger's first senior game in 406 days, since round seven last season.
After two matches in 2021 at Geelong, he had managed just seven appearances over the past two seasons for the Magpies.
A hamstring injury in the pre-season was his latest setback, but Kreuger bided his time.
His comeback was timely, given Collingwood are in the midst of a shocking injury run and their forward line in particular is patchwork at the moment.
"I'm just really excited to be out playing, and just doing my role for the team," he said.
"Hopefully I just keep pressing along from now and just keep moving forward in my role.
"I'm just so excited to be able to play on a day like today as well.
"That's all I have, my self-belief. That's all you need and that's all I'm going to go with - so self-belief and courage to do that."
As Kreuger spoke to journalists post-game, partner Tess Kirsopp-Cole was grinning at him.
She was the 800m Oceania champion two years ago, also running for Australia that year at the world championships.
"I feel like I'm a pretty resilient person, but it's the people around me who have kept me level," Kreuger said.
"My partner ... she's just staring at me, giving me the biggest smile on her face, but she's probably been one of the main influences as to why I've been able to come back and just keep pushing, keep pushing.
"When I want to say, 'No, I can't be bothered today', she says, 'Nup, get your arse in the gym, so let's do it'. She's been so massive for me and I love her dearly."
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was rapt with what Kreuger gave their attack.
"It was important, wasn't it? It was a really big game for him," McRae said.
"I know one thing you're going to get from Kreugs is effort, and we were really pleased with that.
"Kreugs played his role really well."
The highlight of Kreuger's game was a beautifully-shaped kick from deep in a pocket that went through for a goal late in the second term.