Carlton’s recent on-field success is a reward for effort, according to youngster Jacob Weitering.
After securing back-to-back wins with a 23-point victory over Collingwood at the weekend, Brendon Bolton’s developing side took home the four points for the third time in 2017.
With the team focused on continual growth, the triumph was another positive step forward for the Blues who executed a second “consistent” performance.
“The boys put a lot of hard work into them (Magpies) and we scouted very well,” Weitering told AFL Nation on Sunday.
“We stuck with the game plan and implemented it in wet weather. We adapted to the conditions and came out with the win.”
A mix of youth and experience took to the field to battle the Magpies, with Carlton’s junior talent rising to the occasion.
With an equal game-high six intercept marks, Caleb Marchbank was solid in defence alongside fellow young defender Lachie Plowman who laid five tackles, took five marks and managed 10 effective disposals.
As two consistent performers in Carlton’s defence, the pair earned the praise of Weitering seven rounds into the 2017 season.
“They’ve (Plowman and Marchbank) been terrific,” he said.
“’Marchy’ has been terrific in the way he reads the play and intercepts the ball and ‘Plowy’ is a great lock-down defender and can play both tall and small.
“They’ve really contributed to the group and they’ll be great for us in the years to come.”
Another Blue which excited Weitering in Saturday’s clash was youngster Samo Petrevski-Seton.
Having featured in the Blues’ 22 since Round 1, the 19-year-old laced up his boots for his seventh consecutive game and continued to impress with his composure and slick ball skills.
“He’s a very smooth mover, ‘Samo’,” Weitering said.
“He has great skills. We saw that against Collingwood with two goals and 21 touches.
“He’s certainly one that will hold the Club in good stead in the years to come.”
While positive displays from both junior and experienced players has seen an improved Carlton of late, Weitering said the challenge for his youthful side was to continue to yield a strong force for four quarters.
“It’s about the four-quarter effort with a young list,” he said.
“We’ve got to be able to run out games and do it consistently.”
Carlton’s next challenge awaits at Etihad Stadium against an in-form St Kilda on Saturday 13 May from 2:10pm.
