Limited opportunities at AFL level could spark a bidding war for young Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow.

Dow has recorded just two games to his season tally under Michael Voss in 2022, one of which being against Port Adelaide as an unused medical sub in Round 5.

The 22-year-old has certainly made a case for a call-up to the Blues' senior squad, having been a dominant presence for the club's reserves across 10 appearances in the VFL.

Dow is currently averaging 29.3 disposals, 3.4 tackles, 8.6 clearances, 4.9 inside 50s and 1.1 goals per game for Carlton's twos, who currently sit fifth on the ladder.

He also ranks fourth in the VFL Coaches' Award race, behind Southport pair Jacob Dawson and Boyd Woodcock, and Brisbane midfielder Rhys Mathieson.

Voss' side also holds the fifth rung in the AFL, thanks to their flourishing star-studded engine room of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, George Hewett, Matt Kennedy and Adam Cerra.

The talent-rich midfield is what has placed Dow on the fringe of selection planning, with the Bendigo Pioneers product struggling to add to his 61-game career.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Paddy Dow of the Blues celebrates a goal with Levi Casboult during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

His place on the periphery at Princes Park could spell a spike in interest from rival clubs according toย AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, who has labelled Dow as a potential target for multiple sides to consider this season.

โ€œHe is, I think, one that clubs would definitely be looking at because heโ€™s probably a bargain-basement player for other clubs to come and pick off,โ€ Twomey told SEN on Thursday morning.

โ€œHeโ€™s not getting midfield opportunities at the Blues, and I think that clubs will take a look at him.

โ€œI expect him to be on the trade market this year.โ€

Recent reports from Twomey have also stated that Dow isn't unsigned for next year despite having most recently re-signed with the Blues on a three-year deal in 2018.

It is understood that during his current contract Dow and Carlton agreed to add an extra term to their partnership, seeing the midfielder now locked to the navy blue until the end of 2023.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Paddy Dow of the Blues runs with the ball from Shaun Higgins of the Kangaroos during the AFLX match between Carlton Blues and North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on February 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Dow, the third overall selection from the 2017 National Draft, will again be in discussions for a potential spot in Voss' side this weekend should Cartlon's midfield take a hit, with the Blues currently preparing to face West Coast in Round 17.

Carlton will take a 26-man squad over to Perth, with their side to be named at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday evening.

The Eagles are scheduled to host the Blues at Optus Stadium at 4:40pm (AEST) on Sunday afternoon.