Liam Jones set to re-sign with Carlton following sparkling form as a defender

REJUVENATED Carlton star Liam Jones is set to sign a two-year heavily incentive-based contract that will reflect his massive upside in coming seasons.

Liam Jones in action against Melbourne.

LIAM Jones will sign a two-year heavily incentive-based contract that will reflect his massive upside in coming seasons.

Carlton’s renaissance man has dominated some of the best forwards in the game in the past five weeks since breaking back into the senior side.

The 26-year-old is set to reject offers that came for him as far back as his dominant stretch in the VFL and have continued to pour into his management since.

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The failed forward had kicked just 16 goals in 17 games at Carlton before Blues recruiter Paul Brodie suggested a switch into defence.

He was so dominant again on Sunday that AFL legend Leigh Matthews said he was Alex Rance disguised in a Carlton guernsey.

His deal would likely have a starting point north of the AFL average wage of $371,000 but have financial triggers for best-and-fairest and All-Australian finishes.

Liam Jones spoils Jack Riewoldt.

Liam Jones spoils Taylor Walker.

He has already been well paid in his three-year deal at Carlton, with the Blues at one stage considering paying him out or demoting him to the rookie list.

Now after beating Jesse Hogan, Tom Lynch, Jon Patton, Jack Riewoldt and Taylor Walker, he is keen to recommit at the Blues.

His manager Shane Casley said he and Blues list manager Steve Silvagni were haggling on a contract that reflected Jones’ scope for improvement.

“SOS and I have had several discussions. It’s fair to say we started a little bit apart because of that reason but all you can do is build in a couple of safeguards if he is going well,’’ Casley said.

“And that is what we will try to do. We have had some dialogue with Carlton and we will try to get something done sooner rather than later.

“I think for anyone there has to be a bit of certainty and security. Two years is probably right. Three years is too long and one year is not long enough.”

Liam Jones has been a revelation as a defender.

In the past five weeks Jones ranks No.1 for spoils, third for intercept possessions and second for intercept marks.

He has been involved in 32 one-on-one contests and been outmarked just once, winning a dozen of those contests.

“There were suitors about Liam even before he got a senior game. People concentrate on his last five weeks but he has probably played 15 good games this year,” Jones said.

“He wasn’t just playing good footy, he was dominating the VFL. There were inquiries before he broke back in and there have certainly been clubs that have inquired since then.

“But his main focus will be trying to do something at Carlton.”

Dale Thomas, 30, continues to play handy football as a mobile forward and has averaged a goal a week and 19 possessions in the last month.

He would be a solid chance to win another one-year extension after voiding a contract clause that guaranteed him a new deal after 17 games this year.

LIAM JONES’ STUNNING FIVE-WEEK BURST

Round 12 - Played on Jon Patton for 81 minutes and kept him to two goals

Round 13 - Played on Tom Lynch for 120 minutes and kept him goalless

Round 14 - Played on Jack Riewoldt for 113 minutes and kept him to two goals

Round 15 - Played on Taylor Walker for 94 minutes and kep thim to one goal

Round 16 - Played on Jesse Hogan for 56 minutes and kept him goalless.

Originally published as Liam Jones set to re-sign with Carlton following sparkling form as a defender