Blues provide update on Cerra, reveal why Dow missed out following win over Essendon

Could it be one young gun out, one in for the Blues in Round 14 against Richmond?

Paddy Dow was an unlucky omission for Friday night’s game against Essendon just gone after gathering 21 disposals and five clearances in the previous game against Collingwood.

The former Pick 3 has consistently put up strong numbers in the VFL this season and is knocking on the door of a spot in the seniors’ midfield.

However, as Carlton assistant coach Ash Hanson noted, Dow faces an uphill battle given the talent in the Blues’ on-ball unit.

“Unfortunately there’s just guys playing better footy than him at the moment,” Hanson said on AFL Nation before Friday’s game.

“We were really excited to bring Paddy in because he’s made our job extremely hard with the way he’s done and competed at VFL level each week and he’s been outstanding with his character.

“It’s just that Matty Kennedy’s having such an outstanding year and the other guys have been so consistent, it’s purely around positional for Paddy.

“So his opportunity will come, it’s just about him continuing to be ready for it.”

Kennedy missed the week prior with a corked thigh but replaced Dow for the clash against Essendon, gathering 24 disposals and five clearances.

However, a spot could open up for Dow given an injury to Adam Cerra.

Cerra, playing just his 11th game for Carlton, was substituted off in the opening minutes with what the club deemed hamstring tightness.

Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time on Saturday morning, head coach Michael Voss confirmed there was little chance of Cerra featuring against the Tigers in six days’ time.

“Oh yeah, he’s highly unlikely, absolutely,” Voss stated.

“So we’ll get a test, I think tomorrow or Monday might be the day we can get it fully assessed, obviously playing the Friday night game, that puts us back behind, but I would have thought he’s unlikely for the game (next) week, that’s for sure.”

The Blues moved into the top four with their 26-point win over Essendon, fellow midfielders Patrick Cripps (28 disposals, 13 contested) and Sam Walsh (29 disposals, four clearances) among the best on the ground.