KEY defender Liam Jones has proven to be a vital contributor in Carlton’s backline over season 2019.

The recently re-signed defender was in career-best form before a head clash sustained in Round 7 saw him sidelined for over a month.

Now three weeks into his senior return, Jones spoke to SEN Breakfast about being back playing footy and the Blues’ impressive run of form.

“Guys are just getting a lot more confident,” Jones said.

“It’s a really good place to be around at the moment… [with] how much energy is being brought to training and to games and guys really striving every week to get better. ”

Winning three of its last five matches, Carlton has benefitted in no small part from the tireless efforts of Marc Murphy through the midfield.

Jones commended the veteran, who famously sealed the win over Fremantle in Round 15 with the match-winning goal before putting in another outstanding showing on the weekend.

However, the defender was quick to credit other teammates who have put in improved showings over the last month.

“Murph has been great and I there’s been a lot of our players over the last couple of months that are just starting to play some of their best football,” he said.

“And also Jack Silvagni is playing a variety of different roles but just keeps getting them done.

“Like I said, the guys are playing with such confidence and it’s really good to see guys in good form.”

Carlton will get the chance to secure back-to-back wins this Saturday when it takes on Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium.

While the Suns sit a rung below the Blues on the bottom of the ladder, Jones is not willing to underestimate the opposition heading into the Round 18 clash.

“We’re not going to overlook Gold Coast: they got us in a really close one a few weeks ago so we’re not in a position where we can go in underestimating anyone,” he said.

“It’s good to be back in front of our fans this weekend after being on the road.”