Carlton’s No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering has won a Rising Star nomination after his strong AFL start.

The 18-year-old key defender made an immediate impression in his two pre-season matches and was the Blues’ best on the weekend in their loss to Gold Coast.

Weitering impressed with 26 disposals and nine marks.

He has had a rugged initiation to senior football, playing on star forwards such as Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, Sydney’s Lance Franklin and Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch.

This is a great acknowledgement of Jacob’s impressive start to his AFL career,” coach Brendon Bolton said on Monday.

“His composure, ability to take an intercept mark and decision-making are fantastic.

“He has come into the system wanting to absorb as much as possible and he has fully embraced what we are trying to implement as a club.”