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.
3. North Melbourne
Perhaps a shift to a rebuilding Kangaroos outfit would help revitalise Dow's career.
North Melbourne has been in rebuilding mode since last season, and acquiring Dow would add to their ongoing youth stocks.
The midfield spine is already in place with Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin, hard nut Jed Andersonย and inspirational veteran Ben Cunnington. Add Dow to the mix and it gives the Roos a nice blend between inside and outside midfield presence.
Dow's ability to win contested ball would be a perfect fit Davies-Uniacke and Simpkin to hurt opposition sides, and may help some of the damage suffered in the wake of Jason Horne-Francis' imminent departure.
