How do under-18 footballers balance the stress of finishing high school and trying to get drafted?

As part of the AFL Players’ Association’s partnership with Australian Almonds, Fit Foodie and Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow caught up with draft prospects Ryan Gardner and Josh Honey to share his advice on managing under-18 football, school, his experience in the AFL and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

Former no. 3 draft pick Dow said the biggest challenge of transitioning from under-18 football to the AFL was the notion that it becomes a full-time job.

“You play on the weekend but in your days off you’re required to still recover and look after your body and nutrition,” Dow told AFLPlayers.com.au.

Spending time with the second-year Carlton player allowed the draft prospects the chance to quiz Dow on the inner-workings of the Blues, including who the funniest player at the club is, and how he looked after himself during his draft year.

Dow, who boarded at Geelong Grammar during senior school, said he didn’t have much say in his diet but he always made sure to have healthy snacks on hand when studying.

“I would always do my own shopping and get my own snacks.”

This year marks the third-year of the AFL Players’ Association’s partnership with Australian Almonds, showcasing fit foodies of the AFL and AFLW and the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.