The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 14, Liam Jones.
GAMES
Season 2017: 12
Career: 95
GOALS
Season 2017: 0
Career: 84
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 135 (11.2) Kicks: 95 (7.9) Marks: 56 (4.7) One-percenters: 132 (11) Contested marks: 17 (1.4) Intercepts: 90 (7.5)
OVERVIEW
The Jones renaissance was undeniably Carlton’s best story of 2017.
Out of favour and out of contract at year’s end, the 26-year-old’s prospects of remaining a Blue beyond 2017 appeared grim at the dawn of the new season.
But what happened next will go down as one of the great rebirths of a footy career.
Having not made his mark as a forward, the call was made at VFL level to swing Jones into defence.
With his competitiveness, aerial prowess and ability to read the play, Jones immediately flourished, leading the VFL’s best and fairest after seven games for the Northern Blues.
A season-ending knee injury to Sam Rowe opened the door for Jones, whose reserves form was simply too hot to ignore.
Making his first senior appearance of the season in the thrilling win over the Giants, Jones comprehensively won his head-to-head battle with Jonathon Patton.
But he wasn’t done there.
Jones continued his scintillating form, blanketing star forwards Tom Lynch (no goals), Taylor Walker (one goal), Jarryd Roughead (one goal), Jack Riewoldt and Joe Daniher (three goals).
Jones' high chest marks have become a trademark of his game. (Photo: AFL Media)
His one-percenters and intercepts were on full display, finishing first and ninth respectively (on average) in the competition across these categories.
Now contracted at the Blues until at least the end of 2019, Jones will enter the 2018 pre-season brimming with confidence.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Jones inspired the Blues in their narrow loss to league leader Adelaide in Round 15.
Limiting Crows captain Walker to just one goal, Jones recorded 19 disposals, nine marks, three tackles and 10 one-percenters to earn three AFL Coaches’ Association votes.
His run-down tackle on Adelaide star Rory Sloane was huge.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
So many to choose from, but his spoil to deny Luke Breust gets the nod.
Unmarked and in space, the Hawks forward appeared certain to take a grab and slot a major from close range, but Jones had other ideas.
Running back with the flight, the Blues’ No.14 used his trademark acceleration and leap to spoil the footy against all odds.
It was a match-defining moment which had the Carlton faithful in raptures.
