Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow was one of the standouts from the club’s practice match win over Essendon on Thursday.
The former top three pick from the 2017 National Draft had a poor 2020, struggling early with injuries before being unable to break into the best 22.
Dow kicked two goals and was one of the prime movers in the midfield for the Blues today.
Assistant coach Cam Bruce said the 21-year-old’s pre-season efforts have put him in a position to break into the best 22.
“He’s set himself up to perform on match-day with a great pre-season,” Bruce said.
“He’s worked really hard, he’s worked on the areas in his game and he got a little reward today.
“He was really strong in the contest and really powerful and explosive from congestion, which is exciting for the forwards when he’s busting out of congestion and breaking lines.
“He had a good impact today and hopefully he can develop his consistency and I think he will because of what he’s done with his training this year.”
The only injury concern for the Blues was key forward Harry McKay, who limped from the ground in the fourth term.
However, Bruce said it was just a minor ankle tweak.
“Just a little rolled ankle, but he walked to recovery and they’re just the standard niggles you get through these increased competitive sessions,” he said.
“We were fortunate to come out pretty unscathed.”
McKay was the only key forward out there for Carlton, but both Levi Casboult (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring) are expected to be ready for Round 1.
“Levi (Casboult) is a chance to play, (Mitch) McGovern is a chance to play, Eddie (Betts) is a chance to play, (Tom) De Koning is probably a little bit further away,” he said.
“We’re playing St Kilda on Thursday night and with only this game to go before Richmond it’s going to be important to put out a strong team.”