Carlton star Jacob Weitering says his future is with the Blues in the wake of a reported monster offer from St Kilda.
Sam McClure a fortnight ago told the Tradies podcast that Weitering had been offered $12 million over eight years by the Saints, a deal that would have made him one of the highest paid players the game has ever seen.
McClure also told his podcast that Weitering was likely to turn down that deal and remain at the Blues, a position the Blues vice-captain confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking to SEN’s Whateley, Weitering was asked about the Saints’ stunning play.
“The media do inflate numbers. It’s one of those things as players and sportsmen you have to deal with speculation,” Weitering said.
“I’ve said it before… I’m very happy where I am. I’ve still got about 18 months to run, I’m out (of contract) at the end of next year.
“Clearly, Carlton are in a better position than sort of when I was first drafted. I’m very happy with my position in the team and the leadership group and just the boys we’ve got around at the moment.
“I guess to answer your question it certainly does (get back to me) when your mates are sending you messages telling you to pay for the next dinner… it’s all part and parcel of it.”
However, Weitering added it was a nice boost to be offered such a contract, without explicitly stating the truth behind the reported figures.
The 26-year-old was the first pick of the 2015 National Draft and only played his first finals last year. Despite being recognised among the game’s best backmen, Weitering has never been named All-Australian, although he is a dual best and fairest.
“Yeah, I mean there’s a recognition element for sure,” he stated.
“I love my NFL and American Sports and players in different positions trying to get paid what they’re worth but at the end of the day, I do play a position that is more on the team side of things and heavily dependent on what goes on up the field.
“I’ve said it before, I would love to keep playing with the guys that we’ve got. It’s probably taken slightly out of context with some of the articles that have been written but if you can keep a group together that was drafted or traded in that’s been together for a number of years now… that obviously brings a fair bit of continuity and hopefully success down the line.”
Weitering is out of contract at the end of next year, at which point he becomes a restricted free agent.
When asked for the overview of his next contract talks, the versatile defender offered a concrete view on his future.
“In simple terms, I’d love to be at Carlton for as long as I can. I don’t think that’s news to anyone but I’m 26 turning 27 at the end of this year and I have spoken to ‘Crippa’ (Patrick Cripps) in recent weeks and he says 34 and 35 is the new 30,” he said with a laugh.
“I don’t know if that’s going to be relatable to me and my body… but as long as we’re doing well and everyone’s happy with me sticking around, I’ll be doing that for sure.”
Weitering has been in the wars to start 2024, missing much of the pre-season and the club’s first two games of the year with a calf injury.
Despite copping multiple corked thighs since, he’s played every game since Round 3.