Jordan Dawson is the first to admit his second year as Adelaide Captain had its challenges.

There is, however, one moment from the Crows’ 2024 campaign that sticks in his mind and made him proud.

“There was a moment when I sat back and had a realisation that we are going to be alright, and that happened in the Essendon game,” Dawson told AFC Media.

“I came off and there was about two minutes to go and it was around the time when Rash kicked the goal.

“I came to the bench and Lairdy was on the bench, Nick Murray was on the bench and I remember sitting there at the back and looking at the centre square, I think it was Zac Taylor, Hugh Bond, Sam Berry, I think they were the three in there.

“Our ability to hold on in that game was fantastic, we didn’t do everything right, but to look back on it and see the big fourth quarter the guys put together without a lot of our experienced guys out there, that was one of my proudest moments of the year.”

Our ability to hold on in that game was fantastic.

The Round 19 win against the Bombers at Marvel Stadium was built from resilience and a few strategic coaching moves, due to late injury forced changes.

Despite the pride Dawson felt during that game late in the season, the challenges had been aplenty - but the 27-year-old knew he would be better for it.

“The unknown (of being a first-year Captain) last year was quite a daunting experience, just what it means to Captain a club and the added responsibilities you have,” Dawson said.

“Although it has been more of a challenge this year, I think personally I’ll be better off for it, after going through some more highs and lows this year.

“For us not to perform the way we wanted to and then from my own point-of-view, to be a bit inconsistent at times as well, was a bit of a challenge.

“You just really have to double down on what you know works for you and what you know works for the team.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Dawson was focused on finding ways to improve, both individually and as a team.

“My goals are to get a bit stronger, more explosive, and I want to be able to take my game to another level individually,” he said.

“Looking at the team dynamic, I want to help build the leaders we’ve got and empower the younger guys to help them feel like they can start to become leaders.

“The more we can grow in that sense with on-field leadership, the better we are going to be as a team.

“We’re not going to go away from this season and not attack the off-season and the pre-season trying to get better because we know we’ve got a lot to work on.”