New Adelaide Captain Jordan Dawson says he will never underestimate the importance and responsibility that comes with being Captain of the Crows.

Dawson will become Adelaide’s ninth Skipper from this season after the Club announced on Saturday that Rory Sloane had decided to step down following four seasons in the role.

Speaking to the media in a press conference alongside Sloane and Coach Matthew Nicks, Dawson said becoming Captain was an honour he would cherish forever.

“Growing up as an Adelaide supporter and being from South Australia, it’s a real privilege and something I’m going to take very seriously,” Dawson said.

“It probably won’t sink in for a little bit but it’s something I don’t take lightly and I want to be the best Captain I can be and the best person I can be as well.

“I am really happy to be here and I am really excited about where the group is at and where we are heading.”

Dawson, who was added to the Club’s leadership group mid-way through last season, also paid tribute to Sloane, saying he had learned so much from the former Skipper.

“Thanks to Sloaney - he’s been an incredible Captain and I’ve admired the way he’s gone about his footy over the journey,” Dawson said.

“He did his knee last year but his ability to attack it and every rehab session and the way he goes about it. It’s really admirable.

“He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever come across and to have him and Tex (Taylor Walker) still around is really important to the group and that I’m able to bounce ideas off them and use them as guidance as well.”

Dawson was drafted to Sydney in 2015 and played 64 games for the Swans before requesting a trade to return home to South Australia and the Club he grew up supporting.

The 25-year-old went on to line up in every game last season and quickly became a hero after booting a last-gasp goal in his first Showdown to help Adelaide beat its cross-town rivals.

Dawson said he always believed he could be a good leader but being Captain wasn’t on his radar when he first arrived at West Lakes.

“I came here knowing I am a good leader and I can lead,” Dawson said.

“(But) early on I just wanted to come in and assess where the group was at and try to play good football. That was my main focus.

“As the year went on and Sloaney got injured and a few things happened, I wanted to step up in that area.

“To be rewarded and coming into the leadership group was a huge honour for me.”

The wingman described his leadership qualities as being “compassionate and caring” but also having a “hard edge”.

He said he was keen for the Crows’ 2023 campaign to kick off.

“I’m very compassionate and caring but I do have a hard edge to me and I want to win,” Dawson said.

“I think game day, I have an ability to perform but also hold my teammates accountable as well.

“This Club and where we are at, it feels like we are in that position to start winning.

“I’m going to look to improve and be the best player and person I can be.”