Jacob forward about ambition

CARLTON young gun Jacob Weitering wants to take on the AFL’s best forwards after an outstanding debut season.

The key defender was the No.1 pick in the 2015 draft and has arguably lived up to the hype more than any top selection since Richmond took Brett Deledio more than a decade earlier. Weitering played 20 games last year, finished third in the Rising Star award and showed an ability to read the play that belied his inexperience. But the 19-year-old says his game remains a work in progress and has set his sights on improving his work at the contests, having bulked up his frame.

“Obviously I’ve got to develop as much as I can in all areas and the body’s certainly one,” he said.

“You’ve got to be versatile in today’s league.”

Weitering is set for his first pre-season hitout today when Carlton face Melbourne at Casey Fields.