In summary:
Injury kept up-and-coming midfielder Jordan Dawson on the sideline until Round 10 of the NEAFL season, but the 21-year-old didn’t leave a stone unturned across the second half of his 2018 campaign.
The South Australian dazzled in six NEAFL games before earning an AFL recall for Sydney’s clash with Essendon in Round 19.
Dawson, who made his senior debut in Round 3, 2017, got his first taste of AFL victory as Sydney edged Collingwood at the SCG in Round 20.
The third-year Swan played four AFL games in total this season and returned to the NEAFL as the Swans faced the Southport Sharks in the Grand Final.
Dawson once again showed he can impact games in the midfield and forward line, averaging 23 disposals and two goals per game in the NEAFL and showing promising signs in the AFL.
What the numbers say:
AFL
Games: 4
Goals: 4
Kicks: 49
Handballs: 16
Disposals: 49
Contested possessions: 21
Marks: 22
Tackles: 12
AFL Fantasy: 67.0 (average)
Best performance:
Round 20: Sydney Swans v Collingwood, SCG
Dawson produced his best senior performance of the season as the Swans pipped the Magpies in Round 20, collecting 13 touches, six tackles and two goals. His impressive display helped the Swans claw back a position in the top eight en route to a ninth-straight finals campaign.
What they said:
Dawson
“It’s good to be able to play a couple of different positions just so you can work your way into the game, whether it be forward or midfield. It also helps being able to give other guys a chop-out in the midfield. It’s something I’ve been able to do in the NEAFL – play that midfield and forward role – and it’s something I was trying to transition into the AFL this year.”
Development coach Jeremy Laidler
“Dawson had a bit of an interrupted pre-season so his first game wasn’t until Round 10, which set him back a little bit. It took him a little bit to get going. But once he put a few games together he was able to get into the senior side. Looking forward for Dawson it’s really exciting.”
In pictures:
Jordan Dawson marks the footy in Sydney's thrilling win over Collingwood in Round 20.
Jordan Dawson laps up the elation of his first AFL win after the Round 20 victory over the Pies.
Jordan Dawson in action against the Southport Sharks in the NEAFL Grand Final.
Stay tuned for more season reviews at http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/ over the coming weeks.
