Carlton defender Liam Jones has leaked just three goals this season

This weekend Liam Jones will notch his 50th match for Carlton, capping a remarkable rise after the Blues once considered paying out his contract. Sam Landsberger reveals how Jones has gone from one-time whipping boy to one of the game’s best defenders.

Liam Jones flies for a contested mark against Sydney. Pic: AAP

Liam Jones’ obsession with studying vision and researching opponents has emerged as the key to his rebirth as one of the game’s stingiest defenders.

The Carlton full-back has conceded just three goals this season after extended duels with Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, Port Adelaide’s Paddy Ryder and Sydney’s Lance Franklin.

Jones polled two coaches votes for his negating performance on Franklin, where he mixed sharp closing speed, smart body contact and desperation to beat the eight-time All-Australian in several one-on-ones.

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The Jones redemption story hits a milestone on Sunday when he celebrates game No.50 for the Blues against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Carlton considered paying out Jones’ three-year contract in 2015 as he languished in the VFL with seemingly little chance of reviving his career as a goalkicker.

But the footy head — who watched the Suns beat Western Bulldogs in Round 3 — was given 24 hours’ notice he would be thrown from full-forward to full-back for a VFL game in 2017, and he hasn’t looked back.

Now Jones, 28, and backline coach Dale Amos spend hours studying his upcoming opponent every week.

That dedication has earned Jones plenty of respect at the Blues.

Liam Jones harasses Buudy Franklin on Saturday. Pic: AAP

“One week (my role is) going to be a really tough job like that, playing on the best forward in the competition in Lance Franklin,” Jones said.

“This week it might be sharing the load a little bit more, trying to assist other defenders, staying connected as a defensive group and not so much lockdown.

“Coming across there’s been some ups and downs but I didn’t realise it was my 50th.

“I’m so grateful to be playing footy — whether it be AFL-level, VFL-level.”

Jones spent 121 minutes opposed to triple-Coleman Medallist Riewoldt in Round 1 but conceded just one goal.

In Round 2 Jones kept Ryder goalless from 60 minutes while one of Franklin’s goals was courtesy of a soft free kick and he was matched up with Jones for 110 minutes.

The blinding patch of form has been built around Jones being allowed to play almost exclusively one-on-one rather than overthinking defensive structures and zones.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton said Jones was “fantastic” on Buddy and was thrilled with the partnership he was forming with No.1 pick Jacob Weitering and No.3 pick Lachie Plowman.

Originally published as Carlton defender Liam Jones has leaked just three goals this season