Carlton youngster Paddy Dow has set about avoiding the second-year blues as he looks to build on his promising debut campaign.
Dow, 19, played 20 games in 2018, averaging 14 disposals and earning himself a Rising Star nomination for his 20-possession effort against Grand Finalists Collingwood.
The former No.3 draft pick is confident his preparation during the pre-season will allow him to hit the ground running in 2019.
“I was probably happier with first (JLT) game, my second game it took me a bit to get into it,” Dow told SEN’s KB and The Doc.
“I feel like I’ve done everything I can to prepare myself for this year.
“They talk about second-year blues and I feel like I’ve prepared myself enough to avoid that.”
Dow stressed the importance of a four-quarter performance in their blockbuster season opener against Richmond next Thursday.
“It’s always talked up and gets awesome crowds,” he added.
“To be the first game of the year it’s definitely really exciting and gets everyone ready for an awesome year.
“It should be a great game and hopefully we can play a full game out this year.”
Carlton will look to snap a seven-game winless run against the Tigers when they kick-start the new season at the MCG on March 21.
Listen to Paddy Dow's chat on SEN's KB and The Doc with Kevin Bartlett and Terry Wallace in the player below
