Carlton Supporters Club

I have Dow in front of Kennedy at the moment. Due to his durability and is showing he is improving as he is maturing.

He is becoming very strong around the hips and gaining alot of confidence in his ability I dont think we have seen the ceiling in Dow.

It wouldn't be difficult to be in front of Kennedy at the moment.

Just a guess.
I wouldn't be surprised if a decision on Dow has already been made, quite amicably and honest, in fact.
A tough, frank conversation, that lets Dow know that if he wants to play at senior level he's behind a few already and opportunities will also be given to younger players ahead of him, so Carlton might not be the best option.

Dow's been told that he's free to look around, and while we're down a few players we'll give him some game time to show what he has to offer other clubs.
Works to the advantage of both player and club.
We get a good trade, and Dow finds some regular game time at a new home.
The only danger is we may have a few disgruntled supporters if he has a good end to the year.

But of course nothing is ever set in stone and minds can change...pretty much as the sub switch changed yesterday.

It's a funny one because we kind of got a glimpse of reasons he hasn't been picked in the first half...and yet he showed in the second half that it may be that he just needs some consistent game time to show his best.
He seems popular with players and a large percentage of supporters...you rarely see a response like the crowd gave him after his goal.

With Cerra, Walsh and Kennedy to return, I cant see Paddy staying in the 22 but he might be the ideal sub where he has proven handy in his many games in that role.
Got no doubt that Voss being old school and a hardnosed coalface mid by trade favors the Kennedy, Ed Curnow meat and veg type players...

What I meant to say if both were fit and in form - I would go for Dow his burst of speed out of congestion is devastating at times.

Kennedy is the superior kick and more hard nosed the type of player Vossy adores. But Dow is more reliable and someone you can pick in your best 22 most weeks and reliably. IMO of course.

Kennedy is injured a little too much. This squad has serious durability issues.

Dow is hardly ever injured - if he goes that means we have to bring in a 17-18 year old as will be lacking depth.

Delighted with the durability of Hollands, Cowan, Binns and Lemmey in their first year. Especially Hollands that has been bashed from pillar to post and seems that he loves it.

Hollands has been good value but you have to look after your young slightly built players and thats why a grunt like Kennedy needs to be in the team along with Hewett imo to take some heat off those younger kids and absorb the punishment.

If anything i think Hewitt is the weakest link in the Cripps, Walsh, Cerra, Kennedy and Hewitt midfield rotations.
That doesn't mean he can't play, but that the others simply offer more.

A friend recently attended a match day luncheon and had a long conversation with an older Carlton player long retired  - cannot remember who.  The talk apparently turned to Dow and my friend was told he is quite happy playing VFL and has other things in his life he pursues so a big AFL career is not the be all and end all for him.