Weitering played his best game for the season against Geelong and it could have had something to do with the confidence in and support coming from Harry Dean.
I think Weitering played his best football when he was paired with Liam Jones because Jones had the height, reach and speed (especially closing speed) that gave Weitering the confidence to readily switch opponents. This meant that Weitering didn't have to match up on faster leading opponents and that he wasn't always anchored on the last line of defence - as has often been the case since Jones departed.
The loss of Jones led Weitering to becoming a more defensive player and deprived the Blues of the drive that he used to be able to provide from the half-back line. Further, gaining more possessions on the last line of defence (instead of further up the ground) seemed to result in more rushed (sometimes panicked) defensive kicks and turnovers.
In his short time with the club, Dean has shown himself to have similar traits to Jones (albeit with better kicking skills), with closing speed, leap and decisive defensive skills.
Hopefully Dean's rapid acclimation and Weitering's growing confidence in him will see Weitering return to being a more offensive defender who is less easily bypassed by opponents.
....not to mention Dean's genetic mongrel which is already clearly apparent, and a good thing too. This means Weiters can now become the 'Elder Statesman' of the backline and leave much of the Enforcer duties (which he was never great at anyway) to young Harry.
It is very hard to believe that Harry has only played 11 games. I already have great faith in his competitiveness and ability.
Weiters is clearly enjoying have Harry playing beside him which is similar to Cripps with Jagga I suspect. Its a happy coincidence that its happening at the same time. Weiters was showing the pressure and not enjoying his footy and the leadership commentary that was an unnecessary pressure that he wasn't accustomed to and didn't really deserve. Nice summation RR
Weitering probably shouldn't have played the first 2 months of the season after what happened in the state of origin.
Probably right, he returned to AA form on Frid night thats for sure.
It's a team sport, you can only ever play as good as the person besides you allows.
Same applies to Cripps, all of a sudden blokes are making effort around him and sharing the load, and Cripps then benefits the team by making it fresh to the final siren.
Sacrifice is the key to victory!
Dean is a throwback to when the club was at its best and its great to see a young Blue come in with vigour and attitude.
Dean Ison and Byrne will not shirk. Coupled with Cowan we are in good hands there.
we said as much about jsos back in the day.
Dean is more special than he is though.
Dean seems to be taller (or at least plays taller) and has much better closing speed than JSOS so is more suited to filling the Liam Jones role than anyone who has been at the club since.
Scary thought that someone could out compete a Silvagni in a CFC jumper.
So pair them up, F-S vs F-S, not talent wise, but effort and competitiveness and empty the tank on match day, who wins?
Probably a conversation for another thread.
Spot on and haywood loves the mental stuff and even ainsworth has a bit of you know what as well.
i was one who thought our additions to the list in the trade period were underwhelming but im very impressed with the impact they are all having.