The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018 and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.
However, the valuable experience gained by first and second-year players, coupled with the resilience built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.
With the side 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 2018: 17
Career: 112
GOALS
Season 2018: -
Career: 84
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):
Disposals: 180 (10.59) Rebound 50s: 41 (2.41) Contested possessions: 83 (4.88) One-percenters: 148 (8.71) Tackles: 39 (2.29)
OVERVIEW
After transitioning to the backline last year, 2018 marked Liam Jones’ first full season playing in defence for the Blues.
In his ninth season at senior level, the keeper of the No.14 jumper recorded his 100th AFL game against the West Coast Eagles in Round 5, and at the end of the year, was ranked fourth in the league for one percenters per game.
After a consistent run of 17 consecutive games, Jones’ durability came to an end in Round 18 against Hawthorn. Copping a knock to his knee in a marking contest, the 27-year-old suffered a medial ligament injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the year.
With another pre-season focused on refining his defensive skills, Blues fans can enjoy Jones nullifying the big forwards of the competition in 2019.
BEST PERFORMANCE
In Round 14 against Collingwood at the MCG, Jones collected 17 disposals and took 14 marks – the most by any player on the ground.
Liam Jones was a force to be reckoned with against Collingwood. (Photo: AFL Media)
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Playing against the Swans in a Friday night clash at the SCG in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Jones was the Blues' shining light in defeat. A force in defence, he racked up eight intercept possessions, took three contested marks, had five rebound 50s and amassed 12 one-percenters.
