LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Matthew Kreuzer of the Blues Ben McEvoy of the Hawks compete for the ball during the round 6 AFL match between Hawthorn and Carlton at University of Tasmania Stadium on April 28, 2019 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has endured a minor heart procedure to attend to his elevated heart rate.
The Carlton big man has spent some time on the sidelines in the past due to the condition, missing three matches in 2018.
Kreuzer is believed to be primed for the clubs first Marsh Community Series clash against Fremantle on February 29 in Mandurah, Western Australia.
Carlton will once again heavily rely on Kreuzer's fitness as they head into the 2020 season with depleted secondary ruck stocks.
The Blues traded for Hawks tall Marc Pittonet in the off-season to replace backup ruckman Andrew Phillips, who left the club in a move to Essendon.
Kreuzer has only managed the 27 games across the last two years, struggling to string together long seasons without setbacks.
Promising young ruckman Tom De Koning has played just the two games for the Blues and remains a prospect for the future while impressing in the VFL.