Jordan Dawson’s breakout 2019 season has been answered with a show of faith from Sydney Swans officials – and the youngster credits firm belief of his own to the unearthing of infinite potential.
The tenacious 22-year-old midfielder will remain in red and white until at least the end of season 2021 after penning a two-year contract extension.
It’s reward for a thriving 2019 campaign that’s seen Dawson, who had previously played just five AFL games in three seasons, rack up 12 of a possible 13 senior matches.
The South Australian, who originally signed with the Swans at the 2015 AFL Draft, says unwavering belief in his game has been central to his rise.
“I’ve always believed that I could contribute to the AFL team at the Swans,” Dawson told SwansTV.
“I was just having to bide my time and injuries have held me back at various points as well. But I’ve always had that internal belief that I could play at AFL level. It’s nice to be doing that and I know that I’ve still got heaps to give, so that’s promising and exciting for me.”
While Dawson is primarily an inside on-baller who models his game on midfield brutes Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker, he’s shone for the Swans all over the ground.
The young Swan was even exceptional as a loose defender as Sydney clung on for a five-point win over North Melbourne in Round 9, reigniting memories of the loose-man heroics of Isaac Heeney late in the 2018 season.
Dawson, Heeney, Aliir Aliir, Harry Cunningham and Sam Reid can all buoy the team in all three thirds of the ground.
Dawson says he draws a lot of pride in being able to play wherever the coaching panel needs him.
“It’s really good that the coaches are trusting me each week, changing where I’m playing and giving me different roles,” Dawson said.
“I think it’s helping me adapt to the level and I’m adding more strings to my bow, which is what I’ve been trying to do. I’m happy with how I’ve been going and I want to keep building.”
As Dawson continues to rise a host of other young stars will rise with him.
Names like Tom Papley, Will Hayward, Oliver Florent, George Hewett and Tom McCartin are all carving out eye-catching starts to their careers.
Dawson didn’t have to use too much brainpower on weighing up a contract extension – so tight is the bond among the emerging Swans.
“The big attraction is definitely the young core group of players,” Dawson said.
“The majority of us are from interstate so we all get along really well and hang out together outside the club. It’s definitely comforting knowing everyone has felt those feelings of homesickness before, I’ve built good relationships and I’m really happy to be here.”
