JACOB Weitering will play primarily in defence in 2017, but Carlton plans to develop the talented tall into a weapon that can eventually be deployed at both ends of the ground.

Weitering, 2015's No.1 draft pick, spent most of his debut season in the Blues' backline, where his composure and elite game sense ensured he adjusted to the speed and pressure of AFL football almost immediately.

The former Vic Country captain spent his final junior season as a key defender, but had played across half-forward and on a wing during the previous season with Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton told AFL.com.au Weitering would be sent forward at times in 2017, but he said the 19-year-old's development would be best served by allowing him to settle in defence early in his career.

"I'm just really mindful that we as a club understand that he is only in his second year and if we chop and change things for him too randomly that can unsettle young players," Bolton said.

"So we just want to make sure he's totally solidified as a defender first and then he can grow into other roles.

"But the long-term plan is he can play at both ends and we've already started to do that, but we just haven't done it flippantly."

Asked whether he saw Weitering, 195cm and 96kg, being more suited to one end of the ground, Bolton said simply: "I see him as a natural at both."

Weitering played 20 games for the Blues in 2016 – he missed rounds six and seven with a shoulder injury – and finished third at the club for contested marks (62) and fourth for one-percenters (87).

Not surprisingly, he finished third in the NAB AFL Rising Star award, behind Callum Mills and Caleb Daniel, and was named Carlton's best first-year player.