Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
North Melbourne has made inquiries about Carlton key defender Jacob Weitering as the club continues its search for a marquee defender to strengthen its backline. The interest was revealed on Wednesday night during Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, with the Kangaroos reportedly exploring the possibility of attracting the Blues vice-captain despite Carlton's long standing commitment to the former No.1 draft pick. The development is significant because North Melbourne has spent several years attempting to rebuild its defence and remains in the market for an elite key back.
According to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, the Kangaroos have contacted Carlton regarding Weitering, although discussions have not progressed beyond the inquiry stage.
North Melbourne Searching for Defensive Leader
North Melbourne's defensive structure has been a persistent concern throughout its rebuild.
The club has invested heavily in defensive personnel over recent seasons but has yet to secure the elite key defender many believe is necessary to accelerate its rise up the ladder.
Aidan Corr arrived from Greater Western Sydney ahead of the 2021 season, while Griffin Logue joined from Fremantle at the conclusion of 2022. Both were expected to play major roles in stabilising the defence.
The Kangaroos have also added experience through Caleb Daniel and Luke Parker, who joined the club in recent years and have contributed to the team's overall structure.
However, neither player fills the role of a dominant key position defender capable of regularly matching up against the competition's premier forwards.
Weitering Emerges as Ideal Target
Weitering is widely regarded as one of the AFL's best defenders.
The Carlton star was selected with the No.1 pick in the 2015 AFL Draft and has developed into a cornerstone of the Blues' defence. He earned All Australian honours in 2024 and remains one of the club's most important leaders.
The 28 year old has been a consistent performer for Carlton and was among the side's best players during its upset victory over Geelong in Round 12.
Although he has missed the past two matches due to a calf injury, Carlton has continued its winning run without him.
Speaking on The Agenda Setters, Cleary revealed that North Melbourne had made contact regarding Weitering.
"To this point, I don't think it's got too far but it speaks to the Roos' need for a key back," Cleary said.
The comments followed earlier suggestions from AFL great Nick Riewoldt that North Melbourne should aggressively pursue a player of Weitering's calibre.
Carlton Unlikely to Part With Star Defender
Despite the inquiry, any move for Weitering would be difficult to complete.
Carlton views him as a foundational player and one of the leaders of its list. The club has invested heavily in building a team around established stars and would be reluctant to lose one of its most reliable performers.
Cleary acknowledged that he initially believed Carlton could face a situation similar to West Coast's loss of Tom Barrass at the end of 2024.
However, Carlton's recent performances without Weitering have at least prompted discussion about the club's depth in defence.
Even so, there is currently no indication that the Blues are actively considering trading the defender.
Further AFL trade news and club updates can be found in our coverage hub.
Essendon Tracking Artie Jones
Elsewhere, Western Bulldogs forward Artie Jones has emerged as a significant target for Essendon.
Jones is enjoying the best season of his AFL career, reaching double figures for goals for the first time. While the Bulldogs have presented him with a contract offer, rival clubs are monitoring the situation closely.
Essendon and West Coast are among the teams reportedly interested in securing the young forward's services.
The Bombers are seeking additional attacking talent and view Jones as a player who aligns with their long term age profile and list strategy.
Pendlebury Future Yet to Be Decided
Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury also remains the subject of speculation as he weighs his future beyond the current season.
The 37 year old remains the oldest active player in the AFL and has not yet made a decision regarding retirement.
According to 7SPORT reporter Tom Morris, the decision will ultimately rest with Pendlebury and how his body responds during the remainder of the season.
Nick Riewoldt encouraged the Magpies champion to continue playing if another contract is offered.
The decorated midfielder remains one of the competition's most respected figures and continues to contribute at AFL level.
Other Trade Watch Developments
Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is attracting interest from Victorian clubs, with Essendon and St Kilda monitoring his situation.
Davies remains out of contract and could explore opportunities elsewhere if regular senior opportunities remain limited during the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Sydney forward Joel Amartey's contract discussions continue, with rival clubs reportedly offering significantly larger deals than the Swans' current proposal.
Sydney remains hopeful of retaining the key forward, but negotiations are ongoing.
According to reports, Essendon captain Zach Merrett is also expected to seek a trade at the end of the season. While the Bombers may not receive multiple first round selections in return, they are expected to demand strong compensation should a move eventuate.
Official AFL trade period information can be followed through league channels.