THE CARLTON backline has been given a significant, long-term boost with key defender Jacob Weitering signing a four-year contract extension with the Club.

Despite having another year to run on his existing deal, Weitering has made the decision to commit to the Blues until at least the end of 2025.

The significant decision coincides with the 22-year-old emerging as one of the elite defenders in the competition this season. 

One of the AFL’s highest ranked players in contested defensive one-on-ones, Weitering has relished the role of often playing on the opposition’s primary forward target every week.

Weitering kept his direct opponent goalless in four of his first six games this season and his consistency now has him deservingly being spoken about for a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2020.

The key defender was also promoted to the Club’s leadership group prior to this season. 

It is a fantastic story of resilience, persistence and hard work, which the Navy Blue faithful is beginning to see the benefit of.

Weitering said he was proud to commit to the Carlton Football Club on a long-term deal. 

“I want to do everything I possibly can to help this football club achieve success,” Weitering said. 

“My decision to sign on was based on the fact that in the next five years we want to achieve something special together as a group. It is time for us to earn success and perform to the level we know we are capable of and I have full confidence that with the players and people we have at this football club, we will do that.  

“I want to thank all my coaches and teammates who have helped me to this point in my career and to our members and supporters who have stuck with us over such a long period.”

Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club was delighted to secure Weitering until at least the end of 2025. 

“Jacob still had another year to run on his contract but the fact he wanted to extend now, for a further four years, is a huge show of faith from him in the direction we are heading as a football club,” Austin said. 

“It is very difficult to play as a key position defender but Jacob has taken on that challenge from the moment he made his AFL debut, which is a testament to his character.

“He has worked incredibly hard to develop and mature into the footballer and leader we are now seeing produce consistent performances week in and week out this season. We are very happy our members and supporters can enjoy seeing Jacob continue to flourish down back for the Blues for many years to come.”