Carlton's Jacob Weitering is the Round 3 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

In an outstanding performance against the Gold Coast Suns last Saturday at Metricon Stadium, the defender had 26 disposals and nine marks in difficult conditions. 

The 18-year-old defender’s immediate impact on the side after just three AFL games has been a highlight for Blues fans this season. His opponents have included high-profile forwards such as Jack Reiwoldt, Lance Franklin and Tom Lynch. 

Weitering was the number one selection in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft and has come to the AFL with great athleticism, leg speed and endurance. 

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said Weitering's composure and decision making is beyond his years.  

“This is a great acknowledgement of Jacob’s impressive start to his AFL career. His composure, ability to take an intercept mark and decision making is fantastic,” Bolton said.  

"He has come into the system wanting to absorb as much as possible and he has fully embraced what we are trying to implement as a club.

“Jacob is only three games in, but there’s no doubt he will only continue to learn and develop. We know he has a bright future here at the Carlton Football Club.”

Weitering played junior football with the Dandenong Stingrays and the Mt Martha Junior Football Club on the Mornington Peninsula and won five best and fairests with the Redlegs. He's the second player from the club to be selected number one in the draft following GWS’ Lachie Whitfield in 2012.

Weiteting captained the Division 1-winning Vic Country team in the 2015 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was named in the Under-18 All-Australian team. 

A member of the 2014 NAB AFL Academy, he also won the Ben Mitchell Medal, which was awarded by his peers.