Carlton defender provides update on Origin injury, Curnow clash

Carlton Jacob Weitering is excited to line up on former teammate Charlie Curnow in the Opening Round next Thursday.

Weitering is recovering from a fractured rib he sustained in the State of Origin revival game, but he is on the mend.

"Feeling much better. Thankful that it went the way it did," Weitering said at half-time during Wednesday night's match.

"The medical staff, the support we got, was terrific. Got a run out today.

"I won't specify (how many ribs I broke), so Sydney don't have a clue, but it was very fortunate the injury that came from it.

"Initially, the scans came back clear, but then we came back Monday morning, and there was something there."

Weitering said he's excited to line up on Curnow next week in Sydney.

The pair played on each other for 10 years at Ikon Park, having both been selected in the 2015 AFL Draft within the top dozen selections.

"Oh, well, it's a logical match-up, isn't it? All-Australian fullback versus All-Australian full-forward, historically," Blues backline coach Ash Hansen said following the Geelong clash.

"And obviously Jacob's played on him several times before, so he knows him pretty well."

The Blues had no other concerns following the impressive night, with SSP add-ons Elijah Hollands and Wade Derksen more than earning their stripes, pushing for an Opening Round selection.

Jagga Smith is a name we will talk about ad nauseam, and for good reason, given his immense talents in finding the football and using it incredibly well.

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He finished Wednesday night with a game high of 37 possessions and a goal.
The usual suspects in Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and George Hewett also impressed.