AS THE pointy end of the season approaches, Carlton defender Jacob Weitering is hoping his side can produce some more consistent footy, especially when it comes to implementing team defence. 

Admitting they made some strides against North Melbourne to lowering their point differential and upping their defensive 50 stoppages, Weitering was bullish on his side showing this week in and week out if they wanted to take their game deep into September. 

“I think our stoppage defence is a little bit inconsistent, but I thought we were great on the weekend,” Weitering said. 

“D50 stoppages we really looked at - we were last in the comp - and we made some ground against North.

“It’s an 18-man defence nowadays and you need pressure up the field to allow some dirty ball and intercept in the back half.”

While Carlton’s back six has been in a state of flux the last month, the co-vice captain wasn’t making any excuses for performance, embracing the next-man-up mentality that the Blues pride themselves on. 

With Mitch McGovern being out due to injury and Caleb Marchbank withdrawing from the side due to illness, Weitering noted that it was common for teams to be looking a bit beat up around this time of the season, but that was no cause for concern, lauding the VFL performance shown by the Carlton Reserves last weekend. 

“I wouldn’t call it an excuse for us, we pride ourselves on that next-man-up mentality and it’s probably started from the back end of the last year and how guys were able to come in and do a role,” he said. 

“There’s been a lack of continuity and health, there have been a few players that have copped some contact injuries, and sickness, so if we can get those guys back and playing some good football at the end of the year, that would be a huge boost for us.

"[Some of] the VFL performances on the weekend, we had some very consistent performers and some outstanding performances so hopefully, some guys get some opportunity."

One significant injury emerging from the Round 19 clash was that of Tom De Koning, who will miss the remainder of the home-and-away season with a fractured foot. 

Weitering admitted it would be a big loss for the Blues, but had no questions about the effort of Marc Pittonet, who will likely come in as a replacement for De Koning. 

“We’ve got a pretty handy ruckman in reserve in Marc Pittonet who has never complained, he’s always gone to work and he’s had some very good performances in the VFL and alongside ‘TDK’,” he said.  

“To have him come in and do a role for us, the boys love playing with him, and his hunt and ability to put pressure on is also amazing. 

“It will be good to have someone that motivated and has been pushing for a spot all year to come in and do a role for us.”

On the back of a short break, the Blues will take on the Power at Marvel Stadium on Friday night – a turnaround that will require load management after Sunday’s clash. 

Port Adelaide is coming off a big win over Richmond and will be confident as they prepare to face Carlton.

“It’s a pretty exciting match-up – I think we had them off a five-day break earlier on in the year as well,” Weitering said,.

“They’re on a bit of a heater, they came off a pretty good performance against Richmond and they have some guys firing as well. 

“It will be a good challenge for us, they’re clearly in the hunt, a very good contested side and have a terrific midfield – I’m sure our defenders will have their hands full with their key forwards as well.”