STRENGTHS:

+ Mobility
+ Overhead marking
+ Tackling
+ Versatility
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Consistency
- Production

After playing the first half of the seasons splitting his time between the forward line and ruck with decent results, including a three-goal display in the Country trial games, it was a switch to the defensive 50 in the National Championships that saw interest in Dawson rise even further. Down back, he showed promising glimpses with his one-on-one craft and ability to intercept close to the opposition goalsquare, taking any opportunity he can to demonstrate his aerial ability.

Dawson was a key piece for Vic Country after the initial switch was made against WA in their second game, able to compete both aerially and at ground level against the opposition tall forward. His bodywork one-on-one was a vital aspect of his ability to lock down effectively. Though, it is Dawson’s ability to impact in the air that is currently the standout of his game, with a great leap giving him a high total reach, and strong hands making it difficult for opponents to compete without giving away a free kick for chopping his arms.

Dawson better utilises his speed when playing as a forward and creating from his leading, gaining good separation off just a few steps, with players of a similar size generally not as quick. Dawson demonstrates this speed well in the backline with his ability to catch up to opposition that get away from him with their initial lead.

Dawson’s general mobility allows him to remain impactful at ground level when he doesn’t hold it in the air, able to win it at ground level well himself but particularly strong with his tackling when the opposition win it, chasing hard to ensure he affects any follow up disposal.

There is still a way to go for Dawson before he is impacting at AFL level, needing to add some more size to his frame like most 200cm prospects to be able to compete against mature bodies. To go with adding to his size, more consistency game-to-game, which should come with more consistency in his position, and an increase in his production should also go hand-in-hand with all of the above.