IT was a memorable day for former Bendigo Pioneers’ duo Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien, who celebrated their first AFL wins for Carlton on Saturday.
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The Blues defeated fierce rivals Essendon by 13 points at the MCG – 14.7 (91) to 10.18 (78).
Dow had 11 possessions and laid four tackles in the victory, while O’Brien racked up 15 disposals and took eight marks.
“The past seven weeks we’ve had a lot to work on in terms of playing a complete game. We played well for a long time today and it was a great experience to be able to get the first win on the ’G… I couldn’t ask for any more,” Dow told Carlton Media after the victory.
“We’re a very tight group and go into each game expecting a lot of ourselves and trying to play our best footy and it came off today.”
Dow, who was selected at pick No.3 by Carlton at last year’s National Draft, has played all eight games for the Blues this year.
“Each game you get more match-fit you find it much easier, but all the young players feel ready to go and we’re starting to play much better football,” Dow said.
Saturday’s victory for O’Brien came in his fifth game for the Blues.
As well as O’Brien and Dow, the Pioneers have also had Essendon’s Kobe Mutch, who was on the opposing team on Saturday, make his AFL debut this year.