Shark gets his bite back in ‘natural’ midfield role
A RETURN to his roots as a midfield bull has enabled Jacob Dawson to propel the Southport Sharks towards a historic VFL finals campaign.
The former Sun, delisted by Gold Coast at the end of 2020 after spending three years playing at halfback, has become one of the most damaging players in the VFL.
Dawson averages 35 disposals a game, the second most of any player behind Coburg’s Marcus Lentini, for a Southport team that sits second on the ladder behind Footscray after 12 rounds.
“I have walked into a great club,” Dawson said as the club prepares for the Sharks clash with the Brisbane Lions on Sunday at Fankhauser Reserve.
“I have two of the best big men (Fraser Thurlow and Brayden Crossley) in the competition putting it down my throat and a really good midfield group around me.
“I was drafted as a midfielder. I’m enjoying being back in the midfield. I’m naturally more of a ball winner. I like having that responsibility and being around the ball.”
Dawson said he was blindsided by the Suns’ decision to delist him at the end of last year and while he dreamt of making it back to the AFL, he was content with how he was placed.
“To be honest I had no idea (the axe was coming),” Dawson said. “I walked in thinking I’d have a contract extension on the table and walked out delisted.
“It was the end of the world for a few days to be honest. It was a massive dream of mine and to get that taken away is pretty ruthless but that is the AFL system.
“That is how it goes. The transition to Southport was really good. I’d love to be back playing in the AFL and I think I’m good enough to do it. Many players at the club are.
“As the same time it’s not the end of the world if I don’t. I’m loving my time at Southport, doing university and the Gold Coast is a great place to live.”
The VFL has announced the 2021 season will be cut back to 19 rounds, with each club to play 14 home and away games.