Australian Football

Max Kruse was a solidly built, extremely determined footballer well suited to any key position. Originally from Leeton, he was recruited by South Melbourne and improved over time until a thigh injury derailed him in 1985. Between 1979 and 1985 he played 88 VFL games and kicked 32 goal for the Swans. An employment change necessitated a move to Adelaide and, having now recovered from his thigh problems, he threw in his lot with SANFL club Glenelg for whom he would play 73 games and register 25 goals in four seasons. The highlight of his time with the Bays was participation in their 1986 grand final defeat of North Adelaide when, playing at centre half back, he was one his team's best players.

Max Kruse's father, also called Max Kruse, was a prominent footballer with Prahran in the 1950s who represented the Association at the 1953 Adelaide carnival.

Author - John Devaney