After only one full day of training, Carlton draftee Jacob Weitering says he’s already enjoying life at Ikon Park, but he is a “little bit sore”.
 
The No.1 draft pick, who described being taken by the Blues with their first selection as an “honour and a privilege”, says training has definitely taken a “step up” since arriving at an AFL club.
 
“Usually at TAC Cup you’d have your 3km time trial and from there you’d just go home, lounge around and play PlayStation…but here you’re doing time trials, going back to the Club, doing some prep and then straight back into a main training session,” Weitering told ABC Grandstand.
 
“The terminology all changes and the seriousness, there’s a fair bit of maturity and it is an elite environment. You can’t muck around, especially when you’re on the track, there is a time and a place for it.”
 
Although Weitering described draft week as a “whirlwind”, it’s nothing the 2015 Vic Country captain can’t handle. This year alone the 18-year-old completed his final year of high school, as well as represented his state.

“It was a very big year for me, managing year 12 studies and all the different levels of football, I think I played in three or four teams this year ranging from TAC Cup to national levels.
 
“It was difficult, that’s for sure, but I surrounded myself with some very good people and brought in some very good mentors. I got through the year relatively unscathed – psychically and mentally,” he said. 
 
As the hard work continues on the training track, there’s no doubt it’s only a matter of time before the Mornington Peninsula boy dons the navy blue jumper for the first time – and when that day comes the Carlton faithful will know exactly what type of player Weitering will be.
 
“I loved to be known as a key position defender that reads the play quite well, with a very penetrating kick and a very good mark.
 
“From an off-field perspective, I guess someone that can provide leadership and take direction from the coaches, as well as being an independent and mature human being who’s just looking to establish an AFL career.”