In 2021, Paddy Dow's future with the Carlton Football Club was looking bright. After spending time in the VFL after his omission in the Round 7 win over Essendon, the midfielder would return to the senior side, and with it solidify a permanent spot in the midfield for the rest of the season.

Dow would arguably produce the best football of his young career with excellent performances against Adelaide, Fremantle, and St Kilda. The type of performances as to why the Blues rated him so highly when drafting him five years ago.

Fast forward to this season and Dow would be on the outer after Carlton bolstered its midfield depth by acquiring George Hewett and Adam Cerra. Ultimately, those additions put Dow down the pecking order, only managing two games in season 2022. Given limited opportunities at senior level, the 22-year-old was a standout for Carlton's VFL side. Dow won the side's best and fairest after averaging 28.4 disposals, 7.8 clearances, 3.2 tackles, and 4.5 Inside 50s.

Although he is exploring his options, he is still contracted to Carlton until the end of 2023, meaning the club will have to negotiate with other suitors to get a deal done.

These are five clubs in no particular order who could pursue the former number three pick.

2. Collingwood

A switch to the old enemy would hurt Carlton hearts. But with Collingwood's track record of getting the most out of players from other clubs, this would be an ideal situation.

Adding the 187 cm onballer would only strengthen the Magpies' midfield. Collingwood ranked fifth this season in contested possession - only behind Geelong, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Collingwood in 2022 had a wide range of flexibility, with skipper Scott Pendleburyย playing at half-back, and Jordan DeGoey floating between the middle and up forward.

If Patrick Lipinski can have a career-best season after 56 games in five seasons at the Western Bulldogs, then there's no question Dow can do likewise.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Paddy Dow of the Blues kicks during the round 11 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 29, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Adding the 22-year-old would be valuable for Collingwood, who will look to build upon its incredible run in 2022 into season 2023.