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.
5. Hawthorn
Like Geelong, Hawthorn is another club which would suit Paddy Dow. The 22-year-old would have the opportunity to showcase his potentialm which he is yet to fulfil at the highest level.
This season, Hawthorn made the transition to inject youngsters for the future and it had important rewards, withJai Newcombe, Josh Ward and Dylan Moore all having excellent seasons.
Injecting Dow into their squad would give the Hawks extra grunt in the midfield without heavily relying on veterans Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara to do the spade work.
Dow's age would fit perfectly in coach Sam Mitchell's future plans.
