Carlton midfielder Ed Curnow has heaped praise on Blues’ forward-turned-defender Liam Jones after his outstanding return to AFL football.
The 26-year-old former Bulldog, in the final season of a three year contract at Carlton, had failed to secure a consistent spot in Carlton’s forward line, and without a senior appearance to his name after 11 rounds, his AFL career looked to be at the crossroads.
However a successful move down back in the VFL this year for the Northern Blues, combined with injuries to Sam Rowe and Alex Silvagni, saw Jones granted a place in the senior side’s backline in Round 12, where he has flourished.
Jones restricted GWS forward Jon Patton to two majors and held Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch goalless, instrumental in handing the Blues wins in both games.
Curnow says that Jones’ incredible transformation shows just just how rewarding hard work can be in the AFL.
"He's been outstanding in the VFL all year. He was given a task to go down back and change his game and basically all the little team kind of acts we have set up at the footy club he has been dominating week-in, week-out,” he told SEN’s The Run Home.
"Jonesy has come in (to the AFL side) and has been on fire. I’m wrapped for him.
“He is an awesome bloke. He is well loved by the players and he is playing like the beast that he is in the gym and around the footy club.
“He has obviously copped a bit of flack over the years externally (but) it’s amazing what can happen in the AFL when you hang in there and keep working hard.
“All credit to him.”
Jones’ next target is likely be Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt as the Blues take on the Tigers at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.