Matthew Nicks says the Adelaide Crows have an incredibly intelligent footballer on their hands in the form of Jordan Dawson.
The Crows recruited Dawson from Sydney in this year’s trade period, pulling off a major coup after he finished third in the Swans’ best and fairest in 2021.
The 24-year-old took a few seasons to get going in the red and white, but over the past three seasons he has emerged as a quality half-back flanker who can also do damage on the wing.
Aside from his laser-like left peg and composure with ball in hand, Dawson brings with him to West Lakes experience of the famous ‘Bloods Culture’ as well as a quality football IQ, according to ex-Swan Nicks.
“On field is one area, but off field is another,” he said on Sportsday.
“Jordy has gone through an incredible culture. He comes from Sydney, I have huge respect for Sydney as I’ve spent time there myself.
“I know how they go about things, I know what he’s learnt right from the beginning of his footy career, so he brings the experience of that to our football club.
“He brings an incredible football intelligence on field and an awareness. So for our young group when it is ball in hand, we’ve already seen that in the first few weeks of training this year.
“He’s just an exciting player to watch when he has the ball in his hand. He brings a number of things.
“It’s exciting for the footy club. We put a fair bit of work into attracting him to our club, showing him the journey we’re on, the group that we’re working with and we’re so pleased that he made the decision to join us.”
Dawson played 64 games across his six seasons for the Swans with his best campaign coming this year when he averaged 22 disposals, over five marks and close to five rebound 50s.
He comes to a very young Adelaide side as the ninth most experienced player of any current Crow.