St Kilda have emerged as a keen suitor for off-contract Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow.
Dow is yet to feature at senior level this year despite a dominant start to his 2023 campaign at VFL level, averaging 31.1 disposals, 3.8 marks, 4,4 tackles and 7.4 clearances per game with the Blues' reserves.
The 23-year-old's most recent appearance came against Williamstown on Sunday, where he collected 41 disposals in a 20-point loss to the Seagulls.
Dow has found minutes under Michael Voss hard to come by since the coach's arrival at Ikon Park, with the fringe midfielder kept to just four games at AFL level in 2022 given the club's plethora of star inside midfield options.
The Blues noted last off-season that Dow would assess his options during the trade period, with his opportunities at the club beginning to 'dry up'.
While no move away from Carlton arose for Dow last year, "strong interest" in the young onballer is said to be on the cards already this year as rival clubs circle the Swan Hill junior.
According toย News Corp,ย St Kilda are seen as one club with an eye on Dow as the season progresses, with former Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni potentially looking to pry the 63-gamer to Moorabbin.
Silvagni joined the Saints ahead of the 2023 season in reuniting with coach Ross Lyon over the summer, with the Blues great now looking toward his former club for talent.
The Saints added delisted Blue Liam Stocker through the Supplemental Selection Period during the pre-season, while Carlton VFL-listed forward Anthony Caminiti also landed at Linton Street through the same window.
Carlton ruck-forward Tom De Koning is another understood to be in Silvagni's sights, with the developing tall another off-contract asset at Princes Park.
The move for Dow may come cheap for the Saints, who could sign the midfielder as a delisted free agent should the Blue opt not to extend his services for the 2024 season. Carlton and the Saints could also entertain a low-value trade deal similar to one that saw Will Setterfield depart for Essendon during last year's exchange window.
The Saints have a number of contract calls of their own to make this year, with free agent Jade Gresham, defenders Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield, midfielder Mason Wood and forward Jack Higgins also unsigned.
