As Carlton defeated the Brisbane Lions to record its sixth win of the season, Blues coach Brendon Bolton is pleased the playing group is “spreading the load”.

With the skipper sidelined with an ankle injury and Bryce Gibbs faced with a heavy Mitch Robinson tag, other members of Carlton’s 22 stood up – embracing the challenge head on.

“It’s really pleasing that some others stepped up on the weekend,” Bolton told Triple M’s Hot Breakfast on Monday.

“Weitering was terrific down back, Sam Kerridge and Ed Curnow lifted in the midfield for us, so it’s pleasing we’re spreading the load.”

Weitering played arguably his best match for the Blues, collecting 24 disposals, including a game-high 10 intercepts and seven intercept marks. 

“He’s so mature, in fact you’d think he’d been in the system for four or five years,” Bolton said.

“I thought he started a little slow on the weekend, but after quarter-time he hit his straps and was marking the ball well, and giving us great rebound – we’re rapt to have him and he’s developing really well.”

Another young player who amassed 26 possessions and six clearances was Patrick Cripps, Carlton’s reigning John Nicholls Medallist. 

“He’s in our leadership group this year which is great for his own personal growth, but we often forget he’s only played around 40 games, it’s only early stages so we hope he can only get better,” Bolton said. 

Although the Blues currently sit 10th on the AFL ladder with six wins and five losses, Bolton reiterated the Club is on a long-term path to sustained success.

“We know this competition is just too brutal and it can change very quickly…we’re on the start of a reset and we named it the journey – we’re not going to be defined by wins and losses at the moment.” 

Carlton takes on the Saints this week at Etihad Stadium in its last game before the bye.