Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson has been inundated with support on his return to AFL football following the tragic death of his brother.
Dawson missed last week’s game against St Kilda after his brother Jaryd died and was in tears watching as Crows fans gave Jaryd a standing ovation at Adelaide Oval.
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The star midfielder made an emotional return to Adelaide’s line-up for Sunday’s game against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Geelong legend Joel Selwood, who has lost two of his brothers, embraced Dawson pre-game in touching scenes, sharing a few words and consoling him.
“It is a difficult period for him to go through,” Selwood said on Channel 7.
“It’s going to be difficult for his whole life, to be honest.
“He’s just got to look after himself. He’ll find a bit of joy about being back out there today.”
Dawson was one of Adelaide’s best players as the Lions claimed a comprehensive 52-point win in Brisbane to reinstate their premiership credentials.
The Crows captain had 28 disposals and kicked two goals, kissing his black armband after a goal.
His Adelaide teammates, including Taylor Walker, were quick to throw their arms around their skipper.
The emotion was on show post-game as Lions players made an effort to console Dawson, who was in tears after fulltime.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan put his arm around Dawson, who was feeling the weight of being back on the footy field.
“It’s emotional isn’t it for Jordan Dawson to be back out there playing after the trauma he’s gone through,” Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson said.
“The love that he’s been given from the whole football community. That’s a lovely sight, Chris Fagan.
“Took a huge effort for him to get to the footy last week and to play today and produce the performance he did. Incredible from the Adelaide captain.”
“It did take a lot of courage,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks said post-game.
“It’s been a really tough week or so for him and it’s still there. Post-game he was quite emotional.
“I’m really proud of the way he went about it tonight. He had a crack for us.”
