Jacob Weitering | 2021 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
SEASON SYNOPSIS
The reigning John Nicholls medallist, Jacob Weitering was set for another outstanding year. And it started like a house of fire, keeping Tom Lynch to 1 goal and 4 marks. He proved yet again to be Lynch’s bunny, as the previous time they squared off, Lynch failed to get a major on the board. The next three weeks were vintage Weiters, 38 spoils from rounds 2-4 and keeping his direct opponent to a combined 4 goals. He continued to impress, keeping Dixon to 2, considering the damage he did last year, which is a major improvement. Daniher to 1 and then his best performance of the season against the Dogs, keeping Naughton to 2. He continued his good form, not getting properly beaten until round 19, where Larkey kicked 7 on him. He finished the season strongly in an underwhelming Carlton side, which won 1 of its last 5.
BEST PERFORMANCE
In a game where most leaders didn’t step up to the occasion and let themselves be run over. One man who fought till the very end, despite the bombardment that he was facing over and over again, was Jacob Weitering, and the match was round 8 against the Weston Bulldogs. He kept Naughton to only 2 goals and little involvement besides that. Despite the pathetic last quarter display which saw inside 50 after inside 50 against, Weitering stepped up and stood strong despite all that was happening around him.
He ended proceedings with 23 disposals, 70% efficiency, 13 effective kicks, 13 marks, 7 contested marks, 12 intercept possessions, 490 metres gained, 8 spoils, 9 one-percenters and 8 rebound 50’s. A simply marvellous display from one of the few leaders who stepped up on the day. He also allowed the more flair and attacking players to let loose and playoff instinct,
especially early in the game, due to the presence and protection that he provided on that day.
Other very good performances which displayed similar attributes was the Adelaide game in round 15, the Gold Coast game in round 4 and the Richmond game in round 1. He didn’t get beaten on any of those occasions and is a very important cog in the Carlton machine, if he plays very well, Carlton, more often than not, win.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
Just like his partner in crime Liam Jones, Weiters will be looking to do the same next year. Because, despite the amount of points that the Blues conceded, these two were outstanding. Weitering in particular, robbed for the second year running of an All-Australian jacket, this should fuel him on next year to prove all the doubters wrong yet again. With the new coach coming in, hopefully, he will sort out the defensive transition issues and allow Weitering and Jones some breathing room, allowing them to show just how good they really are. As mentioned, he only got beaten once in the entire year, and that was on a day where Carlton were a shambles of a team. Apart from that, he always rebounded and performed on, or above expectations. If it weren’t for a certain number 1 draft pick, he could be picking up his second John Nicholls medal.
2021 REPORT CARD RATING
A
STATUS HEADING INTO 2022
Star 22
