Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says he hopes the re-signing of Bryce Gibbs will encourage other soon-to-be-out-of-contract Carlton players to put pen to paper.

Gibbs has signed a new five year deal with the Blues, keeping the 25-year-old at the club until at least the end of 2019. 

It effectively means Gibbs will see out his career at Carlton. 

Speaking on radio FIVEaa, Malthouse said it’s terrific news in what has been a difficult year. 

"The last month has been very, very tough and to have a player of his calibre come out and declare himself a Carlton player for life … it’s very reassuring,” Malthouse said. 

"I think it’s good for other players to see that: a player in that position who is domiciled in Melbourne but born in South Australia and has a very strong family commitment, and then chooses to stay with Carlton.

"I think it speaks volumes of what he (Gibbs) thinks about the future of the football club and I’m delighted, truly delighted.”

Meanwhile, Malthouse has stood by his comments that Carlton’s recent matches against Geelong and Hawthorn are the best he has seen since he has been at Carlton, even though his side didn’t come away with the win. 

He says the games were a true reflection of where the Blues are at. 

"We committed the errors that sides outside the eight make, and that is indecision and perhaps skill error, but I reckon our endeavour was good,” Malthouse said. 

“We worked very hard on our processes through the week; players listened, players got it – and we were highly competitive."

The challenge for Carlton now, according to the senior coach, is to grow. 

The Blues will have the chance to show they are doing that again this Sunday, when the side takes on Collingwood at the MCG.