Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer lifted the spirits of Carlton fans with a dazzling performance on Friday as he dominated an intra-club AFL trial match.

Kreuzer’s stunning effort in wet conditions at Visy Park proved he was no longer troubled by the foot complaint which kept him out of both of Carlton’s finals games last September.

“If you saw the way he moved today, you’d have to agree,” Blues senior assistant coach Alan Richardson told reporters on Friday.

“He’s right to go. He’s flying.”

The 2007 No.1 Draft Pick was strong in the air and at ground level, as the Blues ponder whether to play the 22-year-old on the ball or up forward this season.

“He was outstanding. He’s a bit like another onballer when the ball hits the deck so we were pleased with ‘Kreuz’,” Richardson enthused.

“He’ll play a lot of footy in the ruck.

“We have the luxury of having three quality ruckmen in (Robbie) Warnock and (Shaun) Hampson as well.

“Certainly at times, he will play forward but predominantly he’ll play ruck.

“On today’s performance, both he and Hampson were really good.

“Certainly, those three guys could play in the one team.”

The Blues open their pre-season cup campaign at AAMI Stadium on February 26 against Port Adelaide and the Crows.

Skipper Chris Judd (shoulder), big forward Jarrad Waite (hip), key defender Michael Jamison (back) and Warnock (shoulder) were among those who rested on Friday but they’re expected to be fit for round one against Richmond on March 29.

Carlton’s 2011 club champion Marc Murphy was one of the star players in Friday’s game while key forward Bret Thornton, onballer Andrew Carrazzo and young key defender Matthew Watson were also prominent.

Richardson said Kane Lucas, Paul Bower and Jordan Russell, who struggled with injuries last year, were also impressive.

Watson showed promise on Friday but Richardson warned the 19-year-old is still learning the game after playing three matches in 2011.

“Given that (Lachie) Henderson and Jamison didn’t play today, you can see we’ve got a bit of depth back there now,” Richardson said.

The Blues recruited former Norwood player Nick Duigan and ex-Cat Jeremy Laidler in 2010 to bolster their backline.

“‘Watto’ is going to have to work really hard to get a game,” Richardson added.

Judd is being aimed at round three of the pre-season cup on March 10.

Richardson said senior coach Brett Ratten was keen to give young players opportunities in the pre-season cup.

Andrew Walker and Chris Yarran were also rested on Friday.