North Melbourne has intensified its search for a key defender by making inquiries about Carlton's Jacob Weitering, according to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary. The Kangaroos have long struggled to build a reliable back six, and the 28-year-old All-Australian is seen as a potential solution.
Kangaroos' Defensive Woes
North Melbourne's defence has been a persistent weakness. The club recruited Aidan Corr from GWS in 2020 and Griffin Logue from Fremantle in 2022, but both have underperformed. Logue, a No.8 draft pick in 2016, has been a disappointment, while Corr has struggled to make an impact. Caleb Daniel joined from the Bulldogs at the end of 2024, and Luke Parker arrived from Sydney for the 2025 season, but neither is a genuine key defender. Toby Pink, a former Sydney Swan, played 17 games last year as an undersized key defender but is now seen as a backup.
Weitering Interest Emerges
Speaking on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, AFL great Nick Riewoldt suggested the Kangaroos should target a star defender, naming Weitering. Cleary later revealed that North Melbourne had acted on that advice. “Maybe Clarko was watching because my understanding is the North Melbourne footy club has picked up the phone and made inquiries around Jacob Weitering,” Cleary said. “To this point, I don’t think it’s got too far but ... it speaks to the Roos need for a key back.”
Carlton's Position
Weitering, a former No.1 draft pick and 2024 All-Australian, has been a key part of Carlton's defence. However, he has missed the past two games with a calf injury, during which the Blues have won both matches. Cleary initially believed Carlton would never let go of Weitering, comparing the situation to Tom Barrass's departure from West Coast. “I thought this was a Tom Barrass situation,” Cleary said. “(And I thought) that this would all unravel like the Eagles have without Barrass. (But) the Blues have looked OK without Jacob Weitering, albeit (it’s only been) two weeks.”
Other Trade News
In other AFL trade news, Western Bulldogs forward Artie Jones is being pursued by Essendon and West Coast. Jones, 23, is having his best season with 12 goals and has an offer from the Bulldogs but is expected to weigh options during the bye. Essendon, potentially losing Zach Merrett, has first-round picks to lure Jones.
Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury, the oldest player in the league, faces an uncertain future. “Make no mistake, this is his call,” 7SPORT expert Tom Morris said. “I don’t think he’s decided either way yet. He certainly hasn’t told anyone if he’s decided either way yet. But his future’s very much up in the air.” Riewoldt added: “If Collingwood are prepared to give him a contract, milk it. Go as long as you can. You’re a long-time retired.”
Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is attracting interest from Essendon and St Kilda. The Suns are 5-2 when Davies plays, but he is often dropped. If opportunities don't come in the second half of the year, he is expected to seek a trade.
Sydney Swans forward Joel Amartey's future is uncertain, with a gap between the club's offer and rival offers. Morris said if the Swans can reach around $800,000 per year and other clubs offer about a million dollars, Amartey is likely to stay, but the current gap remains too large.
Zach Merrett is expected to seek a trade regardless of Essendon's coaching situation, with the club likely more open to moving him this October. While he may not command two first-round picks, one solid first-rounder is expected.
