Jordan Dawson got his wish to return to South Australia on deadline day when he joined Adelaide from Sydney.
Despite enjoying a career-best season with the Swans in 2021 when finishing third in their best and fairest, he decided to seek a move back home.
In September he informed the Swans of his desire to get back to Adelaide, before meeting with both the Crows and Power, but in the end opted to join the former.
After a deal was agreed upon, with the Swans receiving a future first-round pick in return, Dawson explained his reasons why and what he hopes to achieve under Matthew Nicks at West Lakes.
“Growing up I was a Crows fan and idolised a few of those players like (Mark) Ricciuto, (Andrew) McLeod, Tyson Edwards and those guys,” he said on Sportsday.
“The fit that ‘Nicksy’ and the coaches put towards me of where they see me playing and the role I can play with the group was really enticing.
“I feel like I can add a lot to their group.”
Dawson says he is excited to work with a developing group, similar to the one he was part of at the Swans in recent years.
“The demographic of the group is quite young, it reminds me of Sydney last year and the year before,” he added.
“They’ve been competitive in a lot of games but the experience wasn’t quite there and I feel like I can be one of the older guys in that younger group coming through and have sustained success.
“I know the last couple of years have been pretty tough for them but they’re definitely building and I feel like I can add a lot to the group on and off the field and add some leadership as well.”
The Robe product progressed from the half-back flank to the wing during his time with Sydney and has been told he will be playing a similar role in Crows colours.
He is looking forward to forming a wing double act with Paul Seedsman who also had the best year of his career in 2021.
“I’ve already got to know Paul Seedsman a little bit,” Dawson said.
“I feel like we can work closely on the wings and with the midfield group.
“He’s a ripping fella and I’m looking forward to getting to know him a bit more and working more on-field with him.”
Dawson played 64 games across six seasons with the Swans after being drafted out of Sturt in 2015.
Image courtesy Adelaide Crows
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