AFL Daily: Carlton defender Liam Jones signs contract extension

With the club's defensive stocks pretty thin, Carlton has handed polarising defender Liam Jones a new long-term contract extension. RECAP THE DAY'S NEWS

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Carlton has locked in polarising backman Liam Jones for another three years, in a bid to shore up its thin key defensive stocks.

With only Jacob Weitering and makeshift forward-cum-defender Levi Casboult available in the key posts, the Blues thought it important to pin down the 28-year-old to a long-term extension.

Jones, who came to the Blues as a forward, has played 55 games for Carlton, resurrecting his career in defence in the latter half of 2017 and has made a name soaring for high marks.

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Jones, who has been both feted and maligned by supporters in his time at the club, said he had enjoyed his journey at the Blues.

“It’s great to re-sign, I love playing my football here and I feel like this group can achieve something special,” Jones told the club's website.

“My time here at Carlton has been quite the journey. Going from a forward to a defender, the transition certainly had its challenges, but I’ve loved every minute.

“It’s been great to hone my defensive craft with (backline coach) Dale Amos, who has backed me since day one and encouraged me to do it my way.

Liam Jones has signed a new deal with the Blues.

“The club has shown great belief in me since I walked through the doors and I’m looking forward to working hard every day to help this group achieve success over the next three seasons.”

Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni said the club held Jones in high regard, hence the long-term deal.

“Through sheer hard work and determination, Liam has become an integral part of our backline and has developed into a great leader among our defensive group,” Silvagni said.

“He shows such dedication to his defensive craft and it’s a credit to Liam that he has become one of the best defenders in the competition.”

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