Matthew Kreuzer’s season over following second heart scare

CARLTON ruckman Matthew Kreuzer will sit out the rest of the season following another heart scare.

Kreuzer experienced another elevated heart rate and was a late withdrawal from the Blues’ clash against Fremantle on Sunday.

He was set to play his first game in four weeks after suffering a similar heart issue against St Kilda in Round 17.

Blues football managed Andrew McKay said Kreuzer’s long-term welfare was a priority.

“Matthew experienced an elevated heart rate at training yesterday (Saturday), a similar occurrence to what he dealt with a number of weeks ago,” football manager Andrew McKay said on the club’s website.

“Clearly with a condition of this nature, we need to treat it with caution so in conjunction with the specialists and Matthew, we have decided to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

“He will see the cardiologist again this week to determine the next step in his treatment. Importantly, Matthew is OK and all parties are treating this situation with the utmost care.”

Against the Saints, Kreuzer was found to have an elevated heart reading after experiencing a shortness of breath during the opening minutes of the match.

Kreuzer isn’t the only player to suffer a heart irregularity this season.

Blues teammate Caleb Marchbank was taken to hospital during the Round 16 loss to Brisbane, while St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton and Collingwood youngster Kayle Kirby both collapsed in separarte games.