Nathan Kreuger headed to Geelong

Young Panthers spearhead Nathan Kreuger will get a crack at the AFL with Geelong in 2019.

Kreuger, 19, drew the attention of AFL scouts during his top age Under-18s campaign in 2017, earning an invite to the National Draft Combine, but was ultimately overlooked on draft night.

However, after his first full senior SANFL season, his freakish athleticism and size proved too irresistible for Geelong to pass up.

"We are all very proud of Nathan's development both as a person and a player over the last 12 months," said Panthers senior coach Jarrad Wright.

"He was overlooked at the draft last year, but was back out at preseason training the next night and has shown great maturity and resilience through his commitment to his footy this season.

"His natural ability and talent was never in question and he grew into a key part of the senior team by the back end of our season.

"We wish him the best of luck at the Cats."

The Cats snap up the 196cm, 88kg swingman after trading for one of Carlton's priority mature-age picks that give them access to mature age state league players ahead of November's national and rookie drafts.

"We have been tracking Nathan through the year and have been impressed by his athleticism, skill and versatility," Geelong's national recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells said.

"The new rules allowing Carlton and Gold Coast to sign mature players has given us the opportunity to secure Nathan ahead of the draft. We would have been happy to select him with pick 42 but have been able to reach a fair deal with Carlton.

"Nathan played well at senior level this year for South Adelaide and we are excited to add him to our list."

After being handed Peter Darley's famous number 16 guernsey, Kreuger made his senior appearance in Round 6 against Central District, kicking two goals on debut.

By season's end he topped the Panthers goal kicking, nailing 22 majors from his 13 games.