RECALLED Carlton big man Liam Jones will be handed the massive task on one of GWS Giants' two power forwards on Sunday in a bid to resurrect his flagging career.

Jones, in the last season of a three-year contract, must try to contain either Jon Patton or Jeremy Cameron at Etihad Stadium in his transition from a forward to defender role.

On whether this was the 26-year-old's last chance, Blues coach Brendon Bolton said: "It think this is a growth opportunity for him and we're excited to see how it goes."

The 198-cm Jones struggled for consistency as a key forward with the Western Bulldogs and now Carlton in 83 AFL games, but he excelled in recent weeks in defence with VFL affiliate Northern Blues.

"It has been a really good story. We moved him down back in the VFL and he has played some really aggressive and consistent football down there. And he earned his spot," Bolton said.

"We would've played him last week if he hadn't rolled his ankle late in a VFL game, so we're really hopeful this can kick-start an opportunity for him."

Bolton said the return of Dale Thomas after missing one game with a broken nose and concussion was important for the forward set-up against the powerful Giants.

"I think his game intelligence is underrated. His ability to teach youngsters and organise those around him. And with our list profile, that's really important and we don't underestimate that," he said.

The Blues coach also paid tribute to ruckman Matthew Kreuzer who plays his 150th AFL game.

"He has a real quiet nature, but come training and game-day, he's one of the fiercest competitors we have. He defines the type of Carlton player we want," he said.