Carlton defender Sam Docherty has provided an insight into why young gun Paddy Dow has been unable to force his way into the Blues’ AFL side in 2022.
Dow, 22, was the third pick of the 2017 National Draft and has been much maligned over recent seasons for not making the most of his potential.
However, despite stringing decent form together towards the back end of last year and the Blues highlighting a spot for Dow in the AFL side over the pre-season, the 58-gamer has not played a senior game this year.
Instead, he’s been confined to the VFL, averaging 25.5 disposals through his first four games in the reserves.
Docherty has been impressed by the youngster’s VFL form, but suggested he was a victim of the Blues’ midfield recruiting spree last year.
“He’s having an outstanding year of VFL footy,” Docherty told Sportsday.
“I think this is probably the first year of his career that he’s had to wait for his position to open up.
“It’s full credit to our midfield at the moment, there are some guys playing unbelievable footy in there.
“There are elements of he’s going to have to keep performing and when his time comes, take that chance.”
Former Swan George Hewett and former Docker Adam Cerra joined the Blues at the end of last year during the AFL Trade Period and have provided an immediate boost to stars Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh, while Matt Kennedy has also rejuvenated his AFL career.
With no opening in sight to break into the talented on-ball mix, Docherty admitted the club had looked at other roles for Dow.
However, Carlton are wary of playing too many players out of position.
“There are bits and pieces around of (Dow) potentially having to play other roles that he’s going to work on and whatnot,” Docherty continued.
“But when it comes down to it, Dowy (Dow) is an inside midfielder and that’s where he plays his best footy and unfortunately there are only 18 players on the field, 22 that play, you can’t just keep throwing in inside midfielders.”
Kennedy returns to the midfield mix this week against North Melbourne after missing Round 6, while Liam Stocker is set to play his first senior game of 2022.
However, the club’s ruck stocks have taken a hit with the PCL injury to Marc Pittonet, leaving youngster Tom De Koning to take the Lion’s share of the ruck duties in the coming weeks.