On the back of an impressive three-goal performance, Carlton’s Jacob Weitering is focused on his next task, irrespective of his position on-field.
After spending the majority of his debut season in defence, Weitering’s versatility was on show in Carlton’s opening-round match where he looked at home in the Blues’ forward-50.
With Carlton’s attention now fixed on Melbourne, the youngster said he was eager to perform again – either as a forward or a defender.
“(Against the Demons) we’ll (players) play a role and wherever we’re put on the ground, we’ll try and do our best,” Weitering told the media on Thursday.
“For me, if that’s down forward or if it’s down back, I’ll just do my best there.”
As a mainstay in Carlton’s defence last year, the 2015 No.1 draft pick generated media attention following his recent shift to the opposite end of the ground.
Against Richmond, Weitering gave the Blues another option going forward and although he was crucial with three majors, he said he’d rotate between positions “as the weeks come up”.
“It’s a development opportunity to play at both ends … I’m really enjoying it,” Weitering said.
“In today’s game you’ve got to be versatile.”
Jacob Weitering displays his aerial prowess as a forward in the Blues' season opener. (Photo: AFL Media)
Although uncertain as to where he would play this week, the young gun was confident that future stints in the forward line would not be at the expense of Carlton’s defence.
“We’ve got a lot of depth down back,” he said.
“It’s probably one of our strongest lines down there. We’ve got some senior heads and a mix of good youth as well.
“I think as a team we’re very comfortable.”
With Round 2 on the horizon, Weitering was prepared to embrace his side’s next hit-out as another opportunity for his growth.
On the back of a 30-point win over St Kilda, Melbourne poses a significant test to Carlton and if the Blues’ No.23 was tested in the backline he too could be faced with a challenge of his own in Demon Jesse Hogan.
“He’s (Hogan) a very good player … it’s again a learning opportunity,” he said.
“If I am playing down back I’ll be getting in there pretty hot.”
Carlton takes on Melbourne on Sunday 2 April at the MCG from 3:20pm AEST, with entry free for kids.
