JACOB Weitering has confirmed that his goal is to return in the home and away season of 2024 3-4.The key defender picked up a severe calf strain in January as the Blues took a cautious approach to the reigning John Nicholls Medalist’s recovery.The Blues head to the Gabba for the opening round in just 25 days before hosting Richmond in Round 1 as football returns to Melbourne.Speaking to 7 News Melbourne, the vice-captain said the dates for his return had just been finalized and the club had to reassess how he would progress during the second round.“Over the next couple of weeks I’m slowly moving into some on-site stuff. The timeline is 6-8 weeks and hopefully we can get it done.”Weitering isn’t resting on his laurels as he steps up his rehab while helping Aaron Hamill lead the team’s backline.He said he wants to make sure that he has also had a positive impact on the team going forward.Carlton’s opener is just a few weeks away and Weitering said he expected the team to have nothing more than the task of meeting last year’s original finals opponents in the first game of the new season.”It’s progress and it’s a loss and it hurts a little bit. But it’s a new season, we’re starting from scratch and the kids are motivated enough to go out and work..