Struggling forward Liam Jones has been reborn as a quality defender for Carlton

ON Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium it was ‘Leaping Liam’ instead of ‘Laughable Liam’ and if that continues, Liam Jones will be at the Blues in 2018.

CARLTON fans rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

Bursting out of the Blues’ backline with purpose was Liam Jones, the failed full-forward reborn out of the opposite goalsquare.

In his first AFL game as a defender Jones was leaping over packs, spoiling with distinction and intercepting GWS thrusts as he marked with confidence.

As Brendon Bolton’s Blues enjoyed a coming-of-age victory against the premiership favourite, Jones was his springboard from the backline.

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At the first bounce Jones, 25, walked straight to Jon Patton and straight away he had an impact, taking the first of a game-high four intercept marks in the game’s first minute.

Patton finished the one-point nailbiter with just two goals – both booted in the first quarter – and minimum impact.

Patton’s first goal came when he was unmarked at the goalmouth, while the second came courtesy of a downfield free kick – paid against Jones after he bumped Steve Johnson.

Liam Jones leads Jon Patton to the ball. Picture: Getty Images

One-on-one the big man was sorely beaten. Yes, long-time whipping boy Jones led the game for spoils with 12 and was whipping No.1 pick Patton.

Itchy and Scratchy Land sold out of ‘Bort’ licence plates and if Jones’ form continues there could be a rush for No.14 jumpers at the Blues’ merchandise shop.

Importantly, three of Jones’ early possessions were the first in scoring chains for Carlton, albeit Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson couldn’t capitalise with goals.

It’s a funny thing, confidence. Ardent Blues watchers wouldn’t have been surprised, with Jones building his belief with a stack of dominant VFL performances.

Jones would’ve played in Round 10 but for an ankle injury, sustained late in his blanketing job on Josh Bruce, with some observers tagging him the Alex Rance of the VFL.

Jones logged SuperCoach scores of 135, 125, 113 and 179 in his past four VFL games with Northern Blues - and now Carlton - undefeated with him in defence.

Every night Liam Jones sleeps under the stars, with a suite of signed and framed posters of footy’s biggest names decorating his house.

Sunday night Jones might have dreamed of finally becoming a star defender, perhaps even Blu-Tacking a selfie amongst the collection.

The Western Bulldogs asked every club if they wanted Jones in 2014, hoping a second bidder could drive up his trade value.

But the Blues were the only taker and former coach Mick Malthouse believed he had jagged a gem.

Malthouse lured Jones on a lucrative three-year contract and then labelled him an “explosive animal”.

Until Sunday, not even the most optimistic Blues fan believed him. Jones has 10 weeks to earn a second contract at Carlton.

On Sunday it was ‘Leaping Liam’ instead of ‘Laughable Liam’ and if that continues he will be at the Blues in 2018.

Liam Jones outduels Jon Patton on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

When the Giants won the first entry of the last quarter and when a pack formed, Jones stood about three steps behind it.

He then took three steps and jumped over it, executing a healthy spoil with that long left fist.

Jones’ closing speed undid Patton several times, while his foot skills were sharp out of defence.

Jones could go past the injured Sam Rowe in Carlton’s backline and then the question will be – how far can he go?