Jordan Dawson: losing Jaryd, leading the Crows, and his message for everyone

Jordan Dawson opens up to Dylan Buckley about losing his brother Jaryd, and playing through the hardest year of his life. When Jordan Dawson was dropped in 2019, the former pick 56 thought his career was over. But since returning home to Adelaide, he’s become one of the Crows’ most celebrated captains and a bona fide star of the AFL. In 2026, he won his fourth consecutive best and fairest and his third All-Australian blazer. But he did so while grieving the loss of his brother Jaryd, and leaning on his wife Millie, his family and his teammates, to get back out there and lead the team he’s loved since he was a kid. Dyl and Jordan talk about draft night and his early years at the Swans, “Horse” Longmire’s famous Monday meetings, the trade home (including meeting Port and the dinner at Rory Sloane’s that sealed it), stepping into the captaincy, and the pressure that comes with playing in a two-team town. Then Jordan speaks openly about Jaryd: the people who carried him through, the handwritten letter that left him in tears, how to support someone who’s grieving, and the one message he wants everyone to hear: tell the people you love that you love them. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available 24/7 through Lifeline on 13 11 14. Watch Dyl & Friends: 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylandfriends/featured Follow Dyl & Friends: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylandfriends/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylandfriends