Young Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow is enjoying his time at the club and says the Blues are on the right track despite sitting on the bottom of the AFL ladder.
While the Blues have registered just one win in 2018, Dow is confident with the direction of the club.
“Even though we aren’t getting the results each week it makes it so much easier because we have people to talk to and communicate about our performances,” Dow told SEN’s Time On.
“We’re all heading in the right direction and willing to improve.”
After being selected with pick three in the 2017 National Draft, Dow has praised the club for helping him settle in so quickly.
“I can still remember my first couple of weeks at Carlton, everyone just made all the first yearers feel so welcome,” he said.
“The first yearers became close to the group very quickly and after the Christmas break everyone really felt at home.
“We’re a really close knit group.”
While the young Blues side has faced some testing times this season, Dow hasn’t been disheartened.
“To be honest I’ve loved every minute at Carlton,” he said.
Dow has had the support of some senior figures at the club who have enhanced his development.
“I’ve been working with Patrick Cripps a lot,” Dow said.
“He’s been unreal this year and helped me out heaps.
“And Murph (Marc Murphy), even though he hasn’t played many games … he’s been awesome as well.
“He’s helped out heaps with the review.
“There’s great people around us to help us improve.”
Dow has come along well in his first season and was nominated for the Rising Star award following his career-high 20 disposals against Collingwood on Sunday.
“It’s a great feeling getting individual accolades but I think more importantly it was great to play some good footy against the rival club Collingwood,” he said.
“Taking it right up to them was a great feeling.”
Dow will play his 14th career match when Carlton meet Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Listen to Paddy Dow’s discussion with Sam McClure on Time On in the player below: