Sydney Swans recruit Jordan Dawson possesses the talent and attributes to grow into a damaging swingman, according to development coach Rhyce Shaw.
Dawson, recruited with Pick 56 in last year’s National Draft, exudes the qualities that could see the 18-year-old groomed as a utility rather than a specialist forward which the young South Australian grew up as.
Blessed with strong hands and what Shaw described as a “weapon of a kick”, Dawson will add instant depth to the Swans’ already talented forward group boasting the likes of Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Dean Towers and Isaac Heeney.
Standing at 190cm, Dawson’s height is another key attribute which would be capable of giving opposition defences headaches.
“I couldn’t match up on him,” Shaw said, hypothetically.
“Your Franklins and Tippetts and Reids would attract the opposition’s key defenders but Dawso would still give them something to think about.”
But from what he’s seen so far this pre-season, Shaw believes Dawson will eventually make the switch and develop his game further up the ground either as an attacking wingman or across half-back.
“I can see him making the flip,” Shaw added. “He’s composed when with the footy and the game almost moves around him. As his football and fitness evolves, he could definitely move and play a role for us further up the ground.”
Dawson can already foresee the moves, but for now is set on putting the finishing touches on his first AFL pre-season while trying to master how the Swans’ forward line operates, with help from a significant few.
“It’s been good to learn off Buddy, Reidy and Tippo,” Dawson said.
“All those guys have been helpful in regards to me learning the structures and how the forward line is going to work this year.”
“Kirky (Brett Kirk) has also been really good. He’s just been trying to get me to focus on learning the structures and the defensive side of the game as that’s how we’re approaching it as a forward group this season as most teams would.
“It’s all about learning the defensive side first and the attacking side will come.”
