The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.
After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14th on the ladder.
With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 23, Jacob Weitering:
GAMES
Season 2016: 20
Career: 20
GOALS
Season 2016: 2
Career: 2
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 291 (14.55) Kicks: 164 (8.20) Marks 106 (5.30) Contested Possessions: 96 (4.80) Uncontested Possessions: 186 (9.30) Tackles: 24 (1.20) Rebound 50s: 50 (2.50)
OVERVIEW
Living up to mounted expectations, Carlton’s 2015 No. 1 draft pick, Jacob Weitering, played 20 games in his first year at the Blues.
After working extremely hard during pre-season, the 18-year-old didn’t have to wait long to make his senior debut, with the young defender running out against Richmond in Round 1.
His ability to intercept opposition marks and remain calm under pressure was a trademark of his game, as he continually steadied the Blues’ defence.
Despite missing two games with a shoulder injury, sustained in Round 6 against Essendon, Weitering finished the season ranked third at the Club for contested marks and fourth for one percenters.
Capping off a tremendous year, the keeper of the No. 23 jumper placed third in the AFL’s Rising Star award and was named Carlton’s ‘Best First Year Player’ on John Nicholls Medal night.
Weitering was also one of a handful of players to extend their tenure at the Blues, signing on until at least the end of 2021.
HE SAID IT
“The Carlton Football Club gave me the chance to pursue my dream of playing AFL and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith they’ve shown me. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable first year of football and having that initial taste of senior footy just makes me more hungry to go out there and give it my all for my teammates and this club.”
THEY SAID IT
“He is a committed and professional young footballer, and very hungry to learn and develop – he’s a fierce competitor and with the younger crop of players coming through, will play a key role in the side."
– Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay, comments on Weitering’s poise and professionalism as it’s announced the defender signed a new four-year contract extension.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Weitering provided a shining light for Blues fans in the Club’s Round 3 clash with the Gold Coast Suns. Notching up an impressive 26 disposals, including nine marks, ten contested possessions and five rebound 50s, the young Blues most definitely earned his AFL Rising Star nomination.
