Breaking News: AFL 2024 – Nathan Kreuger and Jack Bytel Delisted by Collingwood

In a surprising development ahead of the 2024 AFL trade and draft period, Collingwood Football Club has officially delisted forward Nathan Kreuger and midfielder Jack Bytel from their roster. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort by the reigning AFL premiers as they prepare for the upcoming season. Both players have been mainstays in the AFL for several years, and their delisting is likely to send ripples through the league, sparking discussions about their futures and the direction of the Collingwood Football Club.

Collingwood’s Bold Decision

Collingwood’s decision to part ways with Kreuger and Bytel signals a significant shift in the club’s strategy moving forward. Fresh off their successful 2023 premiership campaign, the Magpies are clearly looking to fine-tune their squad and ensure sustained success in the highly competitive AFL environment. Despite the club’s remarkable achievements in recent seasons, the delisting of these two players highlights the reality of list management and the constant need to reassess talent and form.

Collingwood’s football department, headed by coach Craig McRae and list manager Graham Wright, is tasked with maintaining the right balance between youth development and the experience necessary to stay at the top of the AFL ladder. This delisting, while shocking to many fans, demonstrates the tough decisions clubs have to make in the pursuit of continued excellence.

Nathan Kreuger: A Promising Talent Cut Short?

Nathan Kreuger, a 24-year-old forward, was recruited by Collingwood ahead of the 2022 season after a trade from Geelong. Kreuger had long been touted as a player with enormous potential, known for his aerial prowess and marking ability. Standing at 196 cm, Kreuger’s versatility as a key forward and occasional defender made him a valuable asset for the Pies. However, his tenure at Collingwood was marred by recurring injuries, which limited his impact and continuity in the senior team.

Injuries are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of professional sport, and Kreuger found himself sidelined for much of his time at Collingwood. A series of shoulder and knee issues hampered his progress, and despite showing flashes of brilliance in several games, he was never able to cement his position in the starting lineup.

In his 2023 campaign, Kreuger managed just eight appearances for Collingwood, often struggling to regain full fitness after extended absences. The team’s forward line, which was dominated by the likes of Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott, saw limited opportunities for Kreuger to make his mark. The arrival of younger prospects, including Ollie Henry and Ash Johnson, also added further competition for spots, leaving Kreuger on the outer in the club’s long-term plans.

As the Pies enter a new phase, it’s clear that they are looking to build around more consistent performers. Kreuger, while undoubtedly talented, has found himself a casualty of the club’s pursuit of durability and reliability in their forward stocks.

Jack Bytel: Midfield Depth No Longer a Priority?

Jack Bytel, a 24-year-old midfielder, was brought to Collingwood in 2023 after a promising stint with St Kilda, where he had shown his capabilities as a hard-nosed inside midfielder. Bytel’s strength in contested ball situations and his ability to extract the footy from congestion earned him a reputation as a reliable role player in the middle of the ground.

However, much like Kreuger, Bytel struggled to secure a permanent spot in Collingwood’s senior lineup. With Collingwood boasting an elite midfield unit that includes the likes of Jordan De Goey, Jack Crisp, and Tom Mitchell, the competition for places was fierce. Bytel found himself in and out of the team, often playing in the VFL where he consistently performed well, but not enough to force his way into the senior side on a regular basis.

Throughout the 2023 season, Bytel played just six games for the Magpies, often used as a substitute or in rotational roles. Despite showing glimpses of his ability to win the ball and apply pressure, his impact was ultimately limited. Collingwood’s midfield depth, which also includes emerging stars such as Nick Daicos and Finlay Macrae, meant that Bytel was unable to solidify his role within the team’s structure.

Collingwood’s decision to delist Bytel points to a shift in their focus for the midfield group. With the game continuing to evolve towards faster, more dynamic playmakers, it’s possible that Bytel’s traditional inside-mid style may not have fit with the club’s future plans. Additionally, his delisting allows Collingwood to create space on their list for younger talent or potential recruits during the trade period.

Reactions from the Players

Both Kreuger and Bytel expressed their gratitude towards the club and their teammates in statements released following the announcement.

Kreuger, in particular, reflected on his time at Collingwood with mixed emotions. “It’s been a challenging couple of years for me with injuries, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity Collingwood gave me. While I would have loved to contribute more, I’ll take the lessons and friendships I’ve made here with me into the next chapter of my career. I’m still young, and I believe I have a lot of footy left in me.”

Bytel echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I’ve learned so much during my time at Collingwood, and while it’s disappointing not to be continuing with the club, I’m proud of the effort I put in. I’ll be looking for a fresh start and hopefully finding a place where I can play consistent senior footy.”

Collingwood’s List Management Strategy

For Collingwood, the decision to delist Kreuger and Bytel fits into a broader strategy that emphasizes list flexibility and a focus on developing younger players. Following their premiership win, the club is keen to ensure that they have a roster capable of sustaining success over multiple seasons.

The Magpies have one of the most talented and well-rounded lists in the AFL, and with young stars like Nick Daicos and Isaac Quaynor leading the charge, there’s a clear emphasis on building around youth while retaining key experienced players. Delisting Kreuger and Bytel frees up salary cap space and creates opportunities for the club to potentially bring in new talent during the trade and draft periods.

Collingwood’s football department will now shift its attention to the upcoming AFL trade and draft period, where they will look to strengthen their squad for 2024. With a reputation for shrewd list management, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Magpies make some bold moves in the coming weeks.

What’s Next for Kreuger and Bytel?

Both Nathan Kreuger and Jack Bytel will now enter the AFL delisted free agency pool, giving them the opportunity to be picked up by another club. Given their talent and relatively young ages, there’s a good chance that they will attract interest from other teams looking to bolster their lists.

For Kreuger, his versatility as a forward and key defender may make him an appealing option for clubs in need of height and marking ability. Meanwhile, Bytel’s ability as a contested ball winner and his experience at the AFL level could make him a valuable addition to a team in need of midfield depth.

As the AFL offseason unfolds, the futures of Kreuger and Bytel will be closely watched by fans and clubs alike. While their time at Collingwood may have come to an end, both players still have plenty to offer, and it’s likely that they will find new homes in the AFL before the 2024 season begins.

Conclusion

The delisting of Nathan Kreuger and Jack Bytel marks a significant moment in Collingwood’s list management strategy, as the club continues to evolve following its 2023 premiership success. While these decisions are never easy, they reflect the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines top-tier AFL clubs.

For Kreuger and Bytel, this marks the end of one chapter and the potential beginning of another. Both players will be looking for fresh starts, and with their talent, there’s no doubt they will be closely monitored by rival clubs. As the AFL prepares for an exciting offseason, their stories are just beginning to unfold.