AFL News

Carlton defender signs monster deal

“Carlton made a significant investment in me in 2015, and I couldn’t imagine playing football anywhere else.”

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Carlton defender Jacob Weitering has shunned away any potential moves to sign a six-year extension at the club.

Despite holding a contract that finished at the end of the 2025 season, Weitering was keen to pledge his allegiance to the Blues, repaying the faith that they've shown in him.

Arguably the best key defender in the competition, Weitering was rewarded for his outstanding form with a maiden All-Australian blazer this year.

"Carlton made a significant investment in me in 2015, and I couldn't imagine playing football anywhere else," Weitering said.

"I have always wanted to be a one-club player, and I feel like I have grown up alongside my teammates in my nine years here.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUG 03: Mitch McGovern of the Blues is embraced by Jacob Weitering of the Blues during the 2024 AFL Round 21 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 03, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"When I first started at the Club, we went through some tough times, but I couldn't be more confident in the stability and direction of the football club as we head into the coming years. It has taken a lot of hard work as a collective to get to this point, and that hard work is far from over.

"I want to also say a huge thank you to our members and supporters, who have embraced me since arriving at IKON Park. I cannot wait for the next seven years at the Blues and for us all to get after achieving what we are striving for."

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Forever the consistent performer, the 26-year-old is a dual John Nicholls medallist (2020, 2023) who has established himself as one of the standout key defenders in the competition as he approaches 200 games for the Club.

Head of List Management Nick Austin said the club and fans alike would be thrilled to see Weitering in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2031.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Ben King of the Suns and Jacob Weitering of the Blues compete for a mark during the round 11 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, on May 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"We couldn't be happier to see Jacob re-sign with the Club, he is one of the most respected defenders in the competition for his ability to perform at an elite level each and every week, to see him extend with still a year on his contract shows the type of loyal person he is," Austin said.

“Jacob has clearly demonstrated he is a leader on the field, but he also is a very impressive person off the field, looking after and guiding the new group of defenders within the Club.

"To have players like Jacob, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow not only grow up alongside one another at Carlton but now all signed and committed to the Club until at least 2029 and beyond is a real testament to the stability we are building.

"With the likes of Jacob leading this group, we could not be in better hands."

Weitering joins teammates Harry McKay (2030) and Charlie Curnow (2029) on long-term deals.

Published by
Aidan Cellini