CARLTON has undergone many changes in the past few years, from a renovation of the facilities at IKON Park to the coaching group.
Within the team, there has been a considerable change in the backline in the time Jacob Weitering has been at the Club, particularly in the last two years.
With Weitering the ever-constant figure in the defensive group, he has committed to creating more cohesion and connection to a defensive unit which has welcomed the likes of Adam Saad, Zac Williams, Lewis Young and swingman Mitch McGovern to the ranks.
“We’re still looking at building a bit of chemistry and relationships,” Weitering said on the Summer Sessions podcast.
“Team defence is so important in today’s game so it’s a different time to when I first started for sure.”'
Weitering was well on the way to replicating his outstanding 2020 and 2021 seasons before shoulder surgery just before Carlton's bye week saw him on the sidelines until Round 17.
In his absence, Young stepped up, with the co-vice captain impressed with the way in which his teammate stepped up with added extra responsibility and expectation: it was the first time Young had strung together seven consecutive games since his debut season of 2017.
“It was the first time [in a while] that 'Youngy' had played four or five games in a row at AFL level last year,” he said.
“I go back to when I went down with my shoulder and he had to take the best key forward each week for four or five weeks and I thought he did a terrific job.”
Young debuted for Carlton in Round 3 of the season, playing 19 of 20 games from that point on: the only game he missed was due to AFL Health and Safety Protocols.
His presence in the backline was immediately felt, with his spoiling ability and aerial prowess impressing all that watched him – particularly Weitering.
“He has a really high ceiling – if he puts in the work, the talent is there and his physical makeup and his intercepting,” he said.
“He’s got the jumping ability and his ability to be physical – if he can really build on those, he can be a super player for us.”
The feeling of respect is mutual between the pair, with Young lauding Weitering’s efforts to teach him the ropes and ensure they are on the same page.
With the two usually taking on the two key forwards each game, building their connection and game style together is an important step for them becoming a formidable partnership down back for the Blues.
“For me, it’s about learning every day off guys like ‘Weiters’, who is such a great resource and such a great player,” Young said on FOX Sports News.
“He’s got so many tricks and tools to his trade, so trying to learn off of him and create a connection with him so hopefully he and I can go forward together and be a really good pairing."
Now that Young has almost a full season of consistent footy under his belt, it will be up to him to enhance his game with a newfound confidence that was built in 2022.
"I’ve had an up-and-down career so far — last year was great for me,” he said.
“I built a lot of confidence off the back of that, and some confidence in the coaches I hope as well.”
