As a young up-and-coming footballer playing juniors at the Robe Football Club, Jordan Dawson dreamed of wearing the Adelaide Crows tricolours. That dream has finally become a reality for the quietly spoken country boy who was the talk of the AFL trade period.
Along with the excitement, Dawson said there was another overwhelming emotion washing over him once the paperwork was finally lodged.
"It's a massive relief. It's been a big month since telling the Swans I wanted to come back to Adelaide," Dawson said.
"My girlfriend and I left Hobart (after the Swans finals loss to GWS) and went back to Melbourne then drove straight to Robe. We did two weeks quarantine at Jared's (Jordan's brother)".
Once Dawson's stint in quarantine was complete the young left foot star had a decision to make. Did he join the rebuild at the club he supported as a kid or join their cross-town rivals who are knocking on the door of winning a premiership?
"It was a really tough call, to be honest," Dawson said.
"I think growing up having a soft spot for the Crows and the direction the club is heading just seemed like a great fit for me."
A journalist from AFL.com and trade radio, Callum Twomey, said the acquisition of Dawson is significant for the Crows.
"He was ranked the number one wingman in the competition during the second half of the season,"
"There's so much to like about him which is why the Swans were so disappointed to lose him".
The Swans certainly didn't hide their frustration during the haggling over the deal that draught Dawson to the Crows. However, Dawson says there is no tension between himself and his former club or teammates.
"I have a lot of (Swans) players message me since the trade and although they've expressed their disappointment, they understand where I'm coming from and have wished me all the best,"
"I've got some mates there for life that's for sure".
Dawson's decision is made, he is back close to his family and ready to get stuck into the preseason. But not just yet.
"I think I'll have a week or two's break. Go on a little holiday and have a break for a bit."
"It will be nice to get Adelaide and start training with the whole group".
Once Football at the elite level is over, Jordan has one more footy itch that needs to be scratched.
"I think growing up in Robe I played a variety of Sports but in the winter playing footy for the Roosters was always something I looked forward to,"
"I loved my time at the Roosters and I'll probably head back there one day and put the boots back on".
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