Jacob Weitering feels there has been an overlooked aspect of Carlton’s drought-breaking victory over Richmond last week.
Last Thursday at the MCG, the Blues defeated the Tigers for the first time since 2013 and in Round 1 for the first time since 2012.
It was an impressive performance from a new-look Blues side under the tutelage of new coach Michael Voss and it led to exuberant scenes in the stands for the both starved and relieved supporter base.
Much has been written and said about the triumph in the aftermath, but defender Weitering thinks the fact that the league’s leading goalkicker of 2021, Harry McKay, returned just one major in a big win is something that has been lost in the wash.
“There was definitely a few positives to come out of it,” the vice-captain said on SEN’s Whateley.
“One that probably hasn’t been talked about a whole lot is guys like our reigning Coleman Medallist Harry kicking the one goal.
“But he did his role, he brought the ball to ground when he needed to, he score assisted when he needed to. He kicked his one goal and we still won the game.
“It sort of shows that we’re not relying on the one player. Our midfield is the same.”
Carton’s midfield was also praised by Weitering with captain Patrick Cripps, Matthew Kennedy and recruits Adam Cerra and George Hewett running riot against the Tigers.
He said it was nice to see others share the load in the middle.
“‘Crippa’ had a fantastic game which is awesome, but Adam Cerra, George Hewett and Matt Kennedy all get involved with Sam Walsh to hopefully come in pretty soon,” Weitering added.
“The spread and the depth is the real exciting thing for me.
“We’ve probably struggled (there), especially in the bigger games. It was pretty well talked about last year with the momentum swings and we probably didn’t have enough guys standing up in those moments.
“There’s a little bit of learning how to deal with that in those pressure situations and at the same time having more than just your four or five main guys step up.
“I think we had 22 guys roll in on Thursday last week and do their jobs. It was awesome to see and I hope the fans are proud of the effort.
“Hopefully we do it again this week.”
Weitering credits Voss and his new coaching staff for implementing change at Ikon Park after a disappointing run in recent seasons.
The 2020 best and fairest outlined how a more vigorous playing style has intoxicated the fans and provided a positive outlook for the year ahead.
“There’s been a lot of change, but the boys have done a terrific job of accepting that and attacking it,” he said further.
“You’ve seen a little snapshot of it last Thursday against Richmond and the way we want to play.
“I’m feeling a lot more comfortable when there’s only 40 inside 50s coming in, as opposed to an average of 55 or 60 last year.
“There’s a few things that we’ve changed, we’ve trained it really well. Now it’s about consistency and not getting ahead of ourselves.
“There will be players who get a lick of the ice cream in different weeks and it’s really exciting times.
“We’ve got a really selfless group. This year, more than ever, Crippa has certainly driven a selfless mindset and we’re doing that out on the field which is terrific.”
The Blues will look to start the season with a 2-0 record when they meet the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
They will be without the impressive Cerra, but will regain star midfielder Sam Walsh for the Round 2 clash with last year’s Grand Finalists.