Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson says he’s still struggling to come to terms with the death of his brother Jaryd, four months on from the tragedy.
Dawson told 7NEWS that the pain’s still very raw, but thanked fans and the footy community for the overwhelming support, as he tries to lead the club to their third AFL premiership.
“It’s been a struggle to be honest, it’s still something I’m not ready to talk about fully,” Dawson, 29, told 7NEWS.
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“It’s still very raw and it’s still something I’m battling with, but I also want to make my brother proud and play the best footy I can play because I know that’s what he’d want me to do as well.”
In April this year, Jaryd Dawson went missing and was later found dead in the coastal town of Robe in South Australia’s south east.
Despite being rocked by the tragedy and taking some time out, Jordan has been able to turn in another brilliant season on the field, paying tribute to his brother in each and every game.
“I’m always thinking about him, and sometimes when I’m not, it’ll be a random time when a fan or someone is just trying to show their respects, and they’ll just come up to me and say, ‘I’m so sorry about your loss,’ or whatever, and that obviously brings back memories,” Dawson told 7NEWS.
“I’m so grateful for the fans that have been a big supporter of mine over the journey so far, and they’ve obviously gone above and beyond this year for me.
“So yeah, always almost thinking about him.”
Dawson is also thankful for all the support he has received from the wider football community.
“It’s something that you wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but the the AFL and the players have been unbelievable in their support,” he told 7NEWS.
“I’m sure I’ll go into more detail one day, but the lengths that they — especially some of the players — have gone to, it’s just overwhelming in such a positive way.
“I’m so grateful to be involved in such an amazing community, and it certainly has felt like a real community the last kind of three or four months.
“So yeah, it’s been it’s been awesome.”
More to come …
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