Carlton’s young defender Jacob Weitering has finished third in the 2016 NAB AFL Rising Star. 

Sydney's Callum Mills was named as the 2016 Rising Star, presented with the Ron Evans Medal at Crown Palladium on Tuesday. 

Taken as the No. 1 draft pick in 2015, Weitering played 20 games in the navy blue after making his debut in Carlton’s season opener against Richmond in Round 1. 

The 18-year-old managed nearly 15 disposals per match, including almost five contested possessions and three one percenters.  


Jacob Weitering is joined by his parents for an interview on stage. (Photo: AFL Media)

The versatile defender even moved down forward on occasions and kicked two goals in his debut year.

His clean hands, ability to make effective decisions under pressure, as well as intercept opposition passes, have always been key features of the first-year player's game style.

Not surprisingly, Weitering finished the season ranked third at Carlton for contested marks, fourth for marks overall and fourth for one percenters.

2016 NAB AFL RISING STAR LEADERBOARD

1st - Callum Mills (Sydney Swans, 49 votes)
2nd - Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs, 41 votes)
3rd - Jacob Weitering (Carlton, 26 votes)
4th - Darcy Parish (Essendon, 19 votes)
5th - Darcy Moore (Collingwood, nine votes)