KEEP playing with confidence.
That’s the aim for Paddy Dow for the rest of the 2021 season and beyond, for both the individual and collective.
Dow was one of Carlton’s best performers in Saturday night’s win over Fremantle, with his first half in particular seeing him brings his weapons to the fore.
The 21-year-old collected 22 disposals at the MCG, with 16 of those - including a goal - coming in a blistering open two quarters. He also recorded more contested possessions (13) and clearances (eight) than anyone else on the ground.
The last fortnight have been Dow’s best at senior level, with the explosive midfielder backing up his 20-disposal performance in Round 15 against Adelaide.
Speaking to FOX Footy post-match, Dow said his form had come about from hard work which has bred the confidence needed at senior level.
“It comes from lifting training standards and, over the pre-season, thinking about some things I could work on,” Dow said.
“I’ve been chipping away.
“The last two weeks… we’ve played great footy and competed hard. It just shows what we can bring to the competition and how we can play.”
His personal form has been reflected in that of the team, which recorded consecutive victories for the first time since Rounds 3 and 4.
He said it would continue to be a focus for the Blues in the remaining weeks of the season to play with the energy needed to turn performances into wins.
“All of us want to have a strong end to the season and get some confidence in us,” he said.
“The last two weeks, we’ve had confidence in what we can do. We want some strong performances to please the fans.”
