Grieving Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson shared a powerful embrace with Geelong champion Joel Selwood before the Crows' defeat to Brisbane on Sunday. Dawson was about to warm up for his first game back since losing his older brother Jaryd, whose body was found in South Australia's south-east on April 15 after a brief search, when Selwood spoke to him at the Gabba.
Selwood tragically lost his two brothers, Troy and Adam, who were twins, both within four months of each other in the first half of last year. The footy world rallied around the Selwood family then, as it is with Dawson now.
"Nice to see the captain back doing what I guess is his escape from a very ordinary, very tough, very sad personal time," Hamish McLachlan said on Channel 7. Selwood revealed on Seven's broadcast what Dawson said to him in the exchange. "It is a difficult period for him to go through," Selwood said. "It's going to be a difficult year and for his whole life, to be honest. He's just got to look after himself. He'll come on and off the ground as he needs to, he said. He'll find a bit of joy in being back out there today."
Dawson's Crows were blown away by reigning premiers Brisbane in a second-half demolition job that saw the Lions pile on 10 goals to four. But Dawson still starred with 28 disposals and two goals, including an emotional one in the second quarter. "Here's a moment! A poignant moment at the Gabba," Alister Nicholson said on commentary. "There would not be one person watching this football game, regardless of who they barrack for, who would not feel a sense of joy in seeing that." Hamish McLachlan added: "For those that have siblings, the thought of losing one at such a tender age, and having to front up to work so publicly, even knowing that he has the love of all those watching about. It's just a nice moment on a Sunday afternoon."
Crows coach Matthew Nicks said Dawson was emotional after the game. The 29-year-old was seen in tears following the final siren. "I think it took a lot of courage. It's been a really tough week or so for him, and it's still ongoing," Nicks said. "It's amazing what football can do. For 120 minutes to actually just go, and he did, he just dug in and went to work. We threw him around in a lot of different spots, trying to find ourselves." But the Lions were much too good, and as hard as Dawson tried, he couldn't win the game by himself. Nicks said Dawson had support from his family "and his extended family, which is our footy club." "We're really proud of the way he went about it tonight. He had a crack for us and did whatever he possibly could," the coach added.
Sunday's loss leaves Adelaide 13th on the ladder ahead of next week's showdown against the always feisty Port Adelaide. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 131114. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
