Dean could elevate Weitering's play

May 31, 2026, 11:41:55 pm

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.

Re: Dean could elevate Weitering's play

Reply #1 – Today at 06:18:50 am

....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.