CARLTON defender Liam Jones praised the efforts of the defensive unit despite the Blues winless record going into Round 4.

Jones one-on-one prowess was on display against Sydney, shutting down Lance Franklin to full effect.

However, the defender believes it’s the backline connection that will allow the Blues to shut down opponents.

“We are a really connected group and we all look after each other,” Jones said to media on Tuesday.

“There is just so much help and discussion that we feel really comfortable and know how each other play.”

This weekend’s clash with Gold Coast will be the defender’s 50th game in the navy blue after beginning his career at the Western Bulldogs.

While the milestone was initially unknown to him, Jones said he didn’t underestimate the importance of each week.

“Coming across, there has been some ups and downs,” he said of the milestone.

“I’m so thankful to be able to run out with guys like Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy and superstars like Patrick Cripps.

“It’s a dream come true every week to run out there and pull on the Carlton jumper.”

WATCH: Jones' mighty Buddy effort

Jones will be hoping that his 50th game in Blue is the victory to put Carlton on the board for the first time in 2019.

But Gold Coast is looking a more and more threatening opposition after their impressive start to the season.

“Over the first three rounds they’ve played some great footy,” he said of Carlton’s Round 4 opponent.

“They have a lot of dangerous players and look like they’re playing are a really good brand, so we are going to have our work cut out for us.”

The Blues will need to combat the lapses of concentration that have hindered them so far when they meet the Suns.

For Jones, it will be a case of back to basics and maintaining that for the entire four quarters.

“We’ve got done in the first three games in those little lapses when we’ve had three or four goals kicked on us in a row,” he said.

“When the game is on the line – which it will be with such an even competition now – we need to make sure that we’re doing the right things so we can get the result.”

Carlton will face the Suns at Metricon Stadium this Sunday at 2:40pm (AEDT).