The first pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft has not missed a beat since debuting for Carlton in Round 1 against Richmond at a packed MCG. Showing incredible poise and composure on the ground, similar to the way he played his junior football, Jacob Weitering has been a lynchpin of Carlton’s defence since 2016.

Captain of the all conquering Vic Country Team in 2015 which went through the Under 18 Championships undefeated to claim the Title, Jacob has shown leadership qualities from such a young age which was recognised when he was awarded the Ben Mitchell Medal in the AFL Academy for outstanding leadership both on and off field. This award was voted on by his peers and he narrowly beat fellow Bravo client, Josh Dunkley by one vote. Jacob was also named in the 2015 Under 18 All Australian Team at Centre Half Back due to his outstanding performance throughout the National Carnival.

Playing in all but two games for the Blues in his debut season due to a minor shoulder injury, Jacob transitioned incredibly well to the pace and rigours of AFL Football. Whilst it has been a tough two decades for the Blues, the signs over the last few years have been positive which has coincided with Jacob’s best seasons to date. This included Jacob winning the club Best & Fairest in 2020 along with being in the All Australian squad in 2020 & 2021 where he was closely overlooked for the final team. Despite falling agonizingly short of a Finals berth in 2022, Jacob had another amazing season where he made the All Australian squad again.

Jacob elevated his game to new heights across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the AFL’s premier key defenders. In 2023, he led the league in marks, intercept possessions, and intercept marks, earning his second John Nicholls Medal and a fourth consecutive selection in the All Australian squad. His leadership and composure were instrumental in Carlton’s thrilling run to the preliminary final, where his defensive efforts helped shut down some of the competition’s most dangerous forwards. In 2024, Weitering finally received his long-awaited All Australian blazer, capping off another consistent season where he averaged over 14 disposals and nearly 8 marks per game. Off the field, he embraced his role as co-vice captain and re-signed with the Blues until the end of 2031, reinforcing his commitment to the club’s future. With nearly 200 games under his belt, Jacob continues to be the cornerstone of Carlton’s defence and a driving force in their push for sustained success.

Recruited From: 2015 NAB AFL Draft, Pick 1 from Dandenong Stingrays (TAC Cup)

Achievements:

•       AFL Academy 2014 & 15

•       Ben Mitchell Medal 2015

•       Under 18 All Australian 2015

•       Captain of Vic Country 2015

•       NAB Rising Star Nominee 2016

•       AFLPA 22Under22 2019 & 20

•       Carlton Best & Fairest 2020