THE MARK of the man.
Jacob Weitering’s outstanding 2023 was acknowledged on Sunday night when he won his second John Nicholls Medal.
Following on from his 2020 triumph, this season was another trademark one for the key defender, who was named in the All-Australian squad for the fourth consecutive year.
It wasn’t just what the co-vice captain produced on his own accord that holds him in such high esteem at Carlton, but also what he’s been able to do to make his teammates - in particular, his fellow defenders - the best version they can possibly be.
AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss singled out Weitering’s capacity to make resilience “a badge of honour” for the football club in a year typified by the Blues’ ability to never back down.
And now, on the back of his best-and-fairest victory, a trio of defenders weighed in on Weitering’s impact in 2023.
Mitch McGovern:
“He’s got a wise head, even though he’s a lot younger than me! He’s awesome, he had another super year this year.
“I keep harping on him that he needs to get a media profile or a PR team to get himself out there a bit more, because he’d be an All Australian if he did. It’s been awesome to play alongside him.”
Brodie Kemp:
"I’ve said it a lot in a few media pieces — he’s been super for me. His game-day leadership, his off-field leadership and his willingness to help me out and improve my game has been awesome."
Alex Cincotta:
“Playing together this year, I feel like I’ve gotten close with ‘Weiters’. He’s been a massive support to me and he himself has had a massive year.
“He’s so reliable down there as the last man in defence. He drives some good standards and some hard standards, but that’s what you need to do to be a good football team. He was huge for us, a great leader and I’ve learned so much from him.”
