MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Paddy Dow of the Blues runs with the ball during the 2019 JLT Community Series match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at Morewell Recreation Reserve on March 11, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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.
A move perhaps to Punt Road? Seeking new opportunities in the yellow and black would be the way to go for Dow as the Tigers possess a midfield which will only get stronger.
With the addition of former Giant Tim Taranto, and Jacob Hopper likely joining him, Dow would get more opportunities with the on-ball versatility the Tigers possess.
With former Captain Trent Cotchin in the twilight of his career and superstar Dustin Martin spending more time forward, it sets up an opportunity for him to spend the majority of his minutes in the midfield.
If Dow joins Richmond, it would help the side with contested possession having ranked 12th in Season 2022, while he would also join his brother, Thomson, at the club.
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 Pendlebury 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.
Adding the 22-year-old would be valuable for Collingwood, who will look to build upon its incredible run in 2022 into season 2023.
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 Anderson 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.
A return down the highway to the Cattery in a culture which continuously gets the most out of players could be the go. Dow is no stranger to the area having played his football at Geelong Grammar.
Whilst the Cats put the oldest side together, which went on to win its 10th Premiership, injecting him would help bolster its on-ball stocks.
With experienced campaigners Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield not getting any younger, and the retirement of club champion Joel Selwood, Dow would be a nice addition.
Geelong have made a conscious effort in fielding youngsters including Sam De Koning, Brad Close, and Max Holmes, which in hindsight balances out the playing list. Having Dow in the blue and white hoops could be pivotal in rejuvenating a career still full of potential and there is no better club to do so in Geelong.
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.