Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has been ruled out of Friday night’s Showdown with the club giving him all the time he needs after the tragic death of his brother.
Jaryd Dawson’s death on April 15 sent shockwaves through the community and the AFL world.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jordan Dawson and Joel Selwood share emotional embrace
Dawson missed the club’s clash against St Kilda that week, but returned to captain the club last week against in Brisbane.
Jaryd’s funeral was in Robe on Wednesday and on Thursday coach Matthew Nicks confirmed Dawson will miss the blockbuster clash against fierce rivals Port Adelaide.
In the clash against the Saints, fans paid tribute to Dawson with a stirring round of applause in the 12th minute of the first quarter in a nod to the No.12 he wears.
When he returned to the field last Sunday against the Lions, he shared an emotional moment with Geelong champion Joel Selwood before the match.
Selwood has also gone through the same tragedy with twin brothers Troy and Adam dying within four months of each other.
The pair exchanged a few words and shared a hug during the Crows’ pre-match warm-up.
“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.”
While the Crows slumped to a heavy loss to the rampaging Lions, Dawson was among his side’s best with 28 disposals and two goals, including an emotion 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.”
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.
Meanwhile, boom youngster Dan Curtin is set to play his first match of the year following his pre-season knee injury.
More to come …
