Adelaide’s captain, Jordan Dawson, has made a poignant vow in memory of his late brother, Jaryd Dawson, pledging to uphold his brother’s legacy within the family after Jaryd’s unexpected passing.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Dawson expressed the depth of his sorrow and detailed the promise he intends to keep as he moves forward in life.
“My brother. My idol. The void in my heart is unbearable, buddy, but I know you’re at peace. You shaped who I am today, and I am committed to instilling your competitive, stubborn, caring, and passionate spirit in your wonderful son,” Dawson wrote.
“Huddy and Jess have a strong support system around them. I will miss you and love you forever, Rod,” he added.
Jaryd’s death followed a search earlier that week, with his body eventually being found near Robe in South Australia.
Jordan Dawson shared an emotional Instagram tribute after the death of his brother Jaryd Dawson, vowing to support his family
Dawson described his brother as his idol and promised to pass on his qualities to nephew Hudson
Jaryd Dawson’s body was located near Robe in South Australia after a search earlier in the week
His untimely passing has deeply affected the Adelaide Football Club, with players, staff, and fans coming together to support their captain during this difficult time.
Dawson did not play in Adelaide’s round six clash against St Kilda, instead attending the match at Adelaide Oval where he watched from the stands alongside his wife.
The 29-year-old was seen in the rooms with teammates before the game as the club prepared for the fixture.
A tribute was held during the match, with the crowd rising in the 12th minute of the first quarter, reflecting Dawson’s No.12 guernsey.
A message displayed at the ground read: ‘Our collective thoughts are with our captain and the Dawson family during this very difficult time.’
Dawson was visibly emotional during the tribute and was comforted by his wife as the moment unfolded.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks confirmed post-match that the club would not place any timeframe on Dawson’s return.
‘It has been an emotional week, a really emotional week,’ Nicks said.
The Adelaide Oval crowd stood in the 12th minute to honour Dawson and his brother
A stadium message acknowledged the Dawson family during the emotional tribute in front of thousands
Teammates have rallied around Dawson, including this post from Crows star Isak Rankine
‘To get a win is a great result.
‘When you spend time in a footy club like we are, you realise how lucky you are to be in a position like this when circumstances play out the way they did this week, in a really tough time for someone who means a lot to us and a family that mean a lot to us.
‘So we’re lucky. The footy club has done a great job, and it was good to have Daws here with the group.’
Nicks said the club’s focus remains on supporting Dawson and his family.
‘We just get around him and the family and we will work with him on what’s the right timing, there’s no rush in that,’ he said.
‘This is people first. Family is always number one, way before football, so we’ll just work through it.’
Former captain Taylor Walker played a key role in Adelaide’s 15.13 (103) to 15.12 (102) win, kicking five goals including the match-winner.
‘It’s tough when your captain is not playing, but good to see a former captain step up,’ Nicks said.
‘And I think there’s a bit in it too Tex is an emotional guy and he’s doing whatever he could to sort of make Jordan proud.’
