NATHAN Jones says Sam Blease has the ability to return to the side and make a genuine impact off half-back.

But the co-captain said his speedy teammate needed to keep backing up his performances – like his 30-disposal effort for Casey against the Northern Blues at Visy Park last weekend.

“There’s no doubt about that,” Jones said, when asked if Blease could have an impact off half-back at a media conference at AAMI Park on Thursday. 

“At the moment, we’re structuring up pretty well and we’ve got guys playing their role and Bleasey’s trying to play his role at Casey.

“He’s going to keep pushing for a spot and it’s healthy competition, which you want when you’re trying to climb the ladder and perform each week.

“If he can keep putting pressure on the half backs and it’s a new role for him, then it’s good for us and good for him.

“If he continues to do that and consistently does it, he’ll get his opportunity.”

Jones said Blease’s form off half-back – a position he played in his early days – was putting him right in the frame for the AFL.

“They changed his role up last weekend and he played off half-back,” he said.

“I think for Bleasey, the knock [on him] has been endurance, in terms of his skill set and his consistency and him being able to put games together.

“I think he’s played two or three good weeks in a row and the philosophy the coaches have gone with here is if you’re back in the VFL, we want to see consistent form and he’s starting to string that together.

“It’s going to put him in the best position to come forward and play in the AFL side – at his best and play his role. He’s not too far away and I’m expecting him to play well this weekend, and continue to put his hand up.

“I’m sure he’ll keep banging the door down until he gets his chance and when he does, he’ll be ready to go.”