Kane Cornes is loving the season of Jordan Dawson, believing he should not only be in All-Australian calculations, but in line for the captaincy.
The new Adelaide skipper has elevated himself from talented outside runner to genuine inside midfielder, while remaining one of the best kicks in the competition.
Dawson has averaged 24 disposals, seven score involvements and five marks per game so far this season and been a key part of the Crows’ improvement.
“Jordan Dawson should be in the conversation for All-Australian captain after four rounds,” Cornes told SEN’s Sportsday.
“He’s really impressed me with his leadership. He’s now playing more inside mid and that’s what Adelaide needed. He’s the inside midfielder Adelaide needed.
“They’ve found him and he was best on ground (against Fremantle) according to the coaches.”
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy believes Sydney, who were desperate to keep Dawson, are now needing a player like him.
“It’s exactly what the Swans need as well. And they loved him and tried to keep him, but I don’t think they saw him developing into this inside mid, he was always playing on the back flank or the wing, but he’s added another string to his bow,” Healy said.
“He’s become an A-grader and certainly an All-Australian contender as well.”
Cornes has also loved the past fortnight of Adelaide key forward Riley Thilthorpe.
He believes the former number two draft pick will be one of the game’s dominant key forwards in a few years.
“The ‘Thil-seeker’ in three years’ time will be the most imposing key position player in the AFL,” Cornes said.
“Five goals in the Showdown and five contested marks against Fremantle.
“He’s just a big man. He’s almost got the frame of a Harry McKay. Big, imposing, he can crash packs and is already taking contested marks for a young player.
“He’s the future of the Adelaide Football Club.”
The Crows kick off Gather Round this Thursday night against Carlton in what looms as an enormous game for both teams.