FOR Jacob Weitering, 2019 was a coming-of-age year.

On the back of a frustrating third season at Ikon Park, the consistency which Weitering had been looking for was a hallmark of his game this season.

Reflecting on the year that was, Weitering - speaking to Carlton Media - credited the spike in form to a united backline group.

“Obviously it’s been an up-and-down year, but for me it was sort of a rebound year,” Weitering said.

“I’d like to think I played some really consistent football down there with ‘Jonesy’, Levi, ‘Plow’ and ‘Simmo’. 

“[They’re] guys that I guess I’ve got really close to and really enjoying my footy.”

Playing 20 games in 2019, Weitering was a constant presence in defence, stepping up to take on a leadership role among the back six - particularly in the absence of partner-in-crime, Liam Jones.

Speaking on his mental and physical growth as a player, the key back was quick to acknowledge Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty for his guidance.

“Obviously a lot of hard work goes into that, both mentally and physically,” he said.

“It was probably more of a mental game for me last year, confidence was certainly wavering. Sam Docherty has been a great mentor for me on and off the field and obviously coaching on game day.

“Dale Amos is my backs coach, he’s been terrific in all the craft and training elements and the intensity I go at.”

Along with key mentors Docherty and assistant defensive coach Dale Amos, the ‘light bulb moment’ for Weitering occurred in his return from injury last year.

“It definitely started sort of in Round 5 or 6 last year when I went down injured, missed two games and then came back through the VFL,” he said.

“It wasn’t going to be a quick fix. It was certainly the back half of last year, the pre-season I had and then just being able to go out there and do it week-by-week.

“The goals for me were to play really consistent football and week-by-week, my roles were to stop key forwards and I think I did that most of the time.”