Blues defender Sam Docherty has lauded the persistence of a developing Carlton playing group, following the side’s 10-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday. 

After defeating Greater Western Sydney in Round 12, the Blues travelled north to overcome the Suns on their home turf and with the win marking Carlton’s first interstate success of 2017, Docherty said it was another step forward for his side. 

“It’s very important for our group to learn to not only win but to win on the road,” Docherty told 3AW on Sunday.

“It shows a bit of maturity from the win against GWS to then travel to Gold Coast, which is quite a difficult place to play, and come away with the win.”
 

Despite leading for the majority of the match, the Blues were challenged midway through the final term when the home side edged in front. 

Having fallen away late in previous matches, Docherty said the team demonstrated its growth by overcoming a resurgent Gold Coast to record its fifth win of the season.

“We’ve learnt our lessons from earlier this year when teams challenge us in the last quarter,” Docherty said.

“To shift the momentum back our way and finish the game off was really pleasing.”

After impressing against GWS, a reborn Liam Jones returned to form on Saturday to keep Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch goalless with just 10 disposals and one mark.

Following the Round 13 clash, Docherty singled out the influence of Jones and said his inclusion into the side “has been a masterstroke”. 

“It’s (playing in defence) rejuvenated his (Jones’s) career and he’s playing some serious footy down there,” he said.

“We’ve had some big guys go down in the backline and he’s just slotted straight in which is a credit to him personally for taking the role on. 

“He plays the ball on its merits which is the best thing I like about him and he attacks the ball in the air.”

Carlton will hope to record a third consecutive win when it takes on Richmond on Sunday 25 June at the MCG. 

With the clash to mark the second encounter between the sides in 2017, Docherty said the Blues would hope to avenge their Round 1 defeat. 

“They (Tigers) got us in Round 1 so we’re looking to put up a fight this week and continue our momentum.”

“We’ll have a look at them this week and figure out a way to beat them.”