Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has delivered a heartbreaking promise to his late brother Jaryd Dawson, vowing to carry on his legacy within the family following his sudden death.
In an emotional Instagram post shared with fans, Dawson opened up on the depth of his grief while outlining the commitment he intends to honour moving forward.
‘My brother. My idol. The hole in my heart hurts so bad pal but I know you’re at peace you made me who I am today and I’m going to pass every bit of that competitive, stubborn, caring and passionate nature onto your beautiful boy,’ he wrote.
The message also referenced Jaryd’s partner Jessica and their young son Hudson, with Dawson making clear the family will be supported.
‘Huddy and Jess have an army behind them. I’ll miss you and love you forever Rod’
Jaryd’s death came after a search earlier in the week, with his body later located 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 passing has had a significant impact on the Adelaide Football Club, with players, staff and supporters publicly rallying around their captain.
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.’
