JORDAN Bannister's summary in the 2007 AFL media guide ends with "will be looking for a more consistent year in 2007".

But Carlton kept the 24-year-old utility out of the senior side for the opening nine rounds of this season as they tried to develop younger players.

In other words, Bannister needed the game of his life on Sunday as he returned to the AFL and he duly delivered.

His defensive work on Western Bulldogs key forward Brad Johnson in the second half was outstanding as the Blues won by 10 points, breaking a six-game losing streak.

Coach Denis Pagan heaped praise on the former Essendon player.

"I really admire the kid, he was in the wilderness, he came back today," Pagan said.

"We made a focus of giving as many of our young blokes opportunities as we can.

"Jordan has had his chances before and hasn't been able to nail it, but he certainly did very well today.

"Brad Johnson is a premier forward and he (Bannister) was terrific under pressure on numerous occasions."

Pagan was particularly impressed that Bannister never complained this season as he spent more than two months in the VFL.

"He's a quality young man, he's very popular with his teammates and he carries himself well," Pagan said.

"I think it's the mark of somebody at a football club, when things aren't going well, how you carry yourself.

"Those blokes not getting a game, it's easy for them to perhaps have a little bit of a sook and have a little bit of a cry, but he's carried himself terrific and I really admire him for that."