AFL captain Jordan Dawson opens up on grief after brother's death
The widow of Jaryd Dawson, brother of Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson, has shared a heartbreaking Father's Day tribute months after his sudden death in April.
Jessica Dawson, who gave birth to the couple's first child Hudson just months before Jaryd's passing, took to social media on Sunday to mark what should have been her late husband's first Father's Day.
In a post accompanied by photos and videos of Jaryd with their baby boy, Jessica wrote of the moments they will never share.
“Today should have been your first Father's Day. I should have written you a card, with Hudson's hand print traced, reminding you of the incredible dad you are,” she wrote.
She described the day as “a very cruel reminder of what we're missing out on,” adding: “All you ever wanted was to be a dad. It will never be fair. We miss you so much.”
Hudson turns one later this month.
Jordan Dawson's public struggle with grief
Jordan Dawson has carried his grief into the public eye as captain of the Adelaide Crows, admitting two weeks ago that the past months have been “a struggle.”
The 29-year-old sat out several games after his brother's death but has since returned to lead the Crows into the semi-finals.
Speaking after being named All-Australian vice-captain and receiving the most courageous player award from his peers, Dawson said the support from his club and family has been crucial.
“It's not easy, it's a range of emotions, and they come at different times,” he said. “For me it was about creating a safe place within the footy club, within home, and understanding that there's going to be times when I struggle come into work.”
Dawson attended the AFL awards night with his father Tony and said he has regular check-ins with those close to him.
“It's still pretty raw, to be honest ... it's always going to be hard to talk about,” Dawson said. “I'm just so fortunate I've got such great support around me in the footy club and also my loving family and my wife's family. I definitely wouldn't be here without them.”
Mental health message from the Crows captain
In his acceptance speech for the most courageous player award, Dawson delivered a direct message to others struggling with mental health, as he and his father fought back tears.
“The mental health space is something that's pretty new and pretty raw to me at the moment but it's definitely something that I want to learn a bit more about,” he said. “I just want to wish anyone who's struggling with mental health to know that you are definitely loved and the world is a better place with you in it. You are enough, and we all love you, and you have beautiful family and friends around you.”
Dawson's openness reflects a broader conversation in Australian sport about mental health, particularly among elite athletes under public scrutiny.
How has the AFL community responded?
The AFL community has rallied around the Dawson family in recent months. Adelaide Crows officials have publicly supported their captain, and fans have shared messages of condolence and encouragement across social media.
Jordan Dawson's decision to speak openly about his grief, rather than shield it from public view, has been widely praised as a model of vulnerability and strength.
What support is available for those struggling with grief or mental health?
For Australians dealing with grief or mental health challenges, support is available through services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). The AFL also runs mental health programs for players and staff across all clubs.