YOUNG midfielder Paddy Dow says every game he plays at AFL level is “worth its weight in gold”, as he gains valuable experience in his first season at the Blues.

Taken with Carlton’s No. 3 selection in last year’s national draft, Dow is yet to miss a match in 2018 after making his debut against Richmond in the season opener.

Averaging 14 disposals per game and nearly eight contested possessions, every minute spent on quality opposition will hold the Bendigo Pioneer product in good stead for years to come.

“It’s worth its weight in gold getting this many games early in my career, so I’ve been taking each game as a new experience and trying to gain confidence playing at that high level,” Dow told media on Tuesday morning.

“I found out through all my games this year that extra recovery is very important. Just doing extra in terms of nutrition and ice baths is a great way to help prepare for the games on the weekends.”

The 18-year-old, who claimed the league’s Round 14’s Rising Star nomination, says learning from midfield bull Patrick Cripps and skipper Marc Murphy has definitely had a positive impact on his game.

With Dow currently ranked No. 1 among this year’s rising stars for clearances, averaging 2.77 per match, this influence is clearly evident on the stats sheet.

“‘Crippa’ has been a massive help this year through the midfield,” Dow said.

“He’s emphasised just how important it is for us to own our own career, look after ourselves, play with confidence and play to our own ability.

“Likewise, Murph has been awesome, even though he hasn’t been playing he’s been reviewing my game with me, so it’s been great.”

After extending his contract by an extra three years on the eve of the 2018 competition, Dow says the relationships between players, coaches and staff have created a strong culture at the Club. 

“Everyone here is great mates – the players and coaches get along really well with each other as well as the physios and high-performance staff,” Dow said.

“We’re all on the same page and we’re heading in the right direction, so the future is looking bright.”

With this weekend’s Round 15 match against Port Adelaide set to mark Kade Simpson’s 300^th AFL game, the young midfielder had nothing but praise for the club champion.

“Simmo is a very humble bloke and on game day he’s so influential,” Dow said.

“He’s sees the game so well and I’ve even sometimes reviewed my game with him because he’s been playing off half-back and keeps an eye on how the ball movement unfolds.

“He’s such a champion of the Club – he’s a legend.”

To purchase tickets to attend Kade Simpson’s 300^th game against Port Adelaide visit Ticketek.