The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018 and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.

However, the valuable experience gained by first and second-year players, coupled with the resilience built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.

With the side now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 2, Paddy Dow. 

GAMES

2018: 20
Career: 20

GOALS

2018: 7
Career: 7 

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 284 (14.2) Handballs: 148 (7.40) Contested possessions: 148 (7.40) Clearances: 51 (2.55) Tackles: 64 (3.20)

2018 IN FOCUS

Taken with Carlton’s first draft pick in 2017 – No. 3 overall – Paddy Dow played an impressive 20 games in his debut year and averaged more than 14 disposals per game.

In front of more than 90,000 spectators, the midfielder made his first senior appearance in the season opener against Richmond at the MCG, gathering 11 disposals and laying five tackles.

Dow earned a rising star nomination in Round 14 after his standout performance against the Pies, with the Bendigo Pioneer product amassing 20 disposals – including nine contested – as well as four clearances and four tackles.

At the end of the season he topped the stats sheet for clearances among his rising star counterparts, ranking No. 1 for total clearances and second for total centre clearances and total stoppage clearances.

After extending his contract earlier this year until the end of 2022, Blues fans should be excited about the young midfielder’s future at Carlton.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Excluding his Round 14 rising star performance against the Pies, Dow played a terrific match against the Suns in Round 19. Not only did he kick two goals, but his work around the ground helped the Blues claim victory. He collected 18 possessions, 11 of which were contested, and laid four tackles.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

After gathering the footy 70 metres out from Carlton’s goal, the midfielder tucked the ball under his arm and burst away from his opponent at Metricon Stadium in Round 19. Taking a bounce, he slotted the major from long range and increased the Blues’ lead over Gold Coast to 20 points. Dow received a ‘Goal of the Year’ nomination for his classy finish.