MATTHEW Kreuzer is poised to re-sign with Carlton in a deal that is expected to bind the in-form ruckman to the Blues for at least two more years.
Kreuzer is due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, but has already satisfied a trigger clause in his existing contract to play on at Ikon Park in 2018.
The 28-year-old's management and Carlton, however, have been working on a longer-term deal over the past month. It's believed the new contract will run for two or three years, which would keep Kreuzer at the club until the end of 2019 or 2020.
It's understood those negotiations should be finalised soon, with both parties confident a new deal will be announced before the end of the season.
Kreuzer has had no interest in testing the free agency market this year and seems almost certain to finish his career a one-club player. He was linked to a move to Collingwood when he was last a free agent in 2015, but ultimately re-signed with the Blues for two years.
Kreuzer's importance to Carlton has never been more evident than this season.
Shouldering the Blues' ruck duties almost solely on his own in the absence of the injured Andrew Phillips, Kreuzer has mounted a compelling case to be named All Australian ruckman.
The former Northern Knight has averaged 15.6 disposals, 3.6 marks and 31.4 hit-outs a game in 2017. He is also ranked third at Carlton in average tackles (5.3 a game), average clearances (4.1) and total contested marks (15), and fourth in total contested possessions (151).
Kreuzer has missed just one game this year – with soreness in round five against Port Adelaide – having overcome the recurring foot injuries that sidelined him for one and a half seasons from 2014-15.
The No.1 pick in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, Kreuzer has played 156 games and kicked 81 goals for the Blues.
He finished ninth in last year's Carlton best and fairest count and appears odds on this year to top his career-best finish of fifth in 2009.