By Nick Creely
It was a divisive performance that generated plenty of chatter, particular on social media.
But one thing is for certain about Western Bulldogs livewire Cody Weightman – he’s a young man well and truly built for the big stage.
He thrives on it, does it all with a big smile, and has an innate ability to sense the moment.
The Beaconsfield boy absolutely lit up the AFL Finals on Sunday afternoon, kicking four goals in his finals debut against Essendon, who couldn’t overcome the Dogs to go down by 49 points in the elimination final.
Weightman kicked two of his four goals in the game-breaking third term, proving the match winner with some ice-cool kicking for goal, but his six free kicks for the match draw the ire of opposition supports and observers, with all of these goals from free-kicks.
His coach, Luke Beveridge was however full of praise for the young star, playing just his 17th match of AFL football.
“He was brilliant, Cody. In the air and on the ground. And he obviously kicked straight,“ Beveridge said post-match.
“He’s come on in leaps and bounds this year, Flea. I’m rapt for him. To see what he did today, in such a big game.
“He’s such a great young fella, and a very talented young player. He’s so important for the way we do things.”
While the free kicks were certainly controversial at times, it was the former Dandenong Stingray’s defensive actions that were also noticeable, with plenty of pressure and energy applied in the forward half in the slippery and cold conditions in Tasmania.
The 20-year-old – who played in an Under 18 premiership for Beaconsfield in his junior days – has kicked 25 goals in his second season in the AFL so far, and looms as a star of the future.
Weightman’s Bulldogs now face a stern test in the semi-final against the Brisbane Lions this weekend, who are coming off a tough qualifying loss to premiership favourites Melbourne.
