Jones signs to stay at Carlton

THE stunning resurgence of Liam Jones has landed the forward-turned-defender a two-year deal with Carlton.

Appeared headed for the AFL scrapheap after five seasons with Western Bulldogs and then struggling to break into the Blues outfit in his first two years, the Tasmanian has turned his career around.

Jones has signed with the emerging Blues until the end of the 2019 season, with his deal understood to have several incentive-based clauses.

After kicking only 16 goals in 17 games with Carlton after being traded from Whitten Oval at the end of 2014, Blues recruiter Paul Brodie suggested a switch into defence.

Outstanding form in the VFL saw him promoted to the senior side in Round 12 against GWS, and he has gone on to shut down the likes of Jon Patton, Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch, fellow Tasmanian Jack Riewoldt, Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker and Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan.

In his first five games back in the seniors, Jones ranked No.1 for spoils, third for intercept possessions and second for intercept marks.

“The move into the back six has obviously reinvigorated me and I’m really grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to go around again for the next couple of years,” he told the Blues website.

“I want to make particular mention to [Northern Blues coach] Josh Fraser and [Blues’ backline coach] Dale Amos. They are two coaches who have invested a significant amount of time into my development as a defender, and I have really enjoyed working alongside them both.

“I know I have a long way to go with my development and I am continuing to learn the defensive craft, but I am excited to be continuing on for the next couple of years with the club I love and I’m looking forward to seeing what this young group can achieve in the coming years.”

Taken with pick 32 in the 2008 draft, the 26-year-old has played 88 games, booting 84 goals.