BACKING in his strengths.

That’s been the consistent message and approach for Paddy Dow this pre-season.

For Carlton’s No.2, that came to the fore on Sunday night in the Marsh Community series clash with Brisbane.

Dow was a shining light for the Blues at Ikon Park, setting the tone for an impressive first half before a final-quarter fadeout.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Dow - who collected 18 disposals - said his main focus over the summer was utilising his power and burst in the contest.

“Last year, I probably wasn’t as fit as I wanted to be and I’ve grown that a lot,” Dow said.

“That has certainly helped in both defence and offence.

“I had a focus to use more of my strengths with my speed and to grow my aerobic tank.”

Assistant coach Dale Amos was quick to single out Dow for his performance against Brisbane, with his work in traffic a clear standout.

Coming into his third season, the speedster was realistic about his showing in the final pre-season outing.

For both him and the team, he believed there was plenty of room to grow ahead of the season proper — where the main focus continues to lie.

“I felt like I started the game well in the first half and then, as a team, we dropped off a little bit,” he said.

“There are some positives in that and, me personally, I was happy with my game but there’s always improvement [to come].

“Everything is in preparation for Round 1.”

It was a stronger showing for the Blues against the Lions in the first half, before Brisbane ran the game out stronger at Ikon Park.

Dow said there was still plenty of cause for optimism going forward.

“We were playing our game [in the first half]. We were exciting using overlap and getting it to our forwards,” he said.

“There is definitely some exciting stuff there to look at.

“I feel like the members and supporters will be excited watching [in the home-and-away season].”