CONSISTENCY is key for Carlton’s backline: in performance and personnel.

Liam Jones believes the Blues’ back six is beginning to grow with every game they play this year, particularly given it’s been a largely unchanged line-up.

Jones has been joined by Sam Docherty, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Lachie Plowman, Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering and Tom Williamson every week since Round 7.

Jones said the consistency in selection had allowed the playing group to take great strides, no matter the result.

“This year has been a massive growth for us,” Jones said. 

“We’ve beaten some quality teams this year and every other time we’ve been really competitive.” 

While Carlton have had more than their share of close games this year, Jones noted that lapses in momentum were a big focus for the side. 

The Blues know all about fine margins: they’ve been within three goals in the last quarter of every game they’ve lost since the restart.

“It was just little lapses in-game which we need to mature as a group and handle those better to get over the line,” he said.

“We’ve certainly seen our best: we’ve got the players and the style to compete with anyone when we’re at our best.” 

With Sam Docherty returning to the backline this year, the defensive half has been brought to life under Docherty’s direction. 

“He [Sam] did his coaching while he was out injured and just his voice and direction, the maturity and the growth he brings [is clear],” he said. 

“Big ‘Weiters’ has been great, we know he’s going to get the job done every week, Plowman is the same.” 

With the reserves side playing some strong football in the hub, Jones thought the healthy competition for spots is making everyone train harder. 

“We’ve got a lot of good guys waiting in the wings as well who could come in,” he said. 

“I think it’s really good for us to have that pressure from the guys who aren’t in the team at the moment for the guys who are in it.”