Chris Dawes is 26 this year. His age really surprises me as he seems to have been around for a lot longer.
I've not checked my facts but since becoming a Dee this has been his first full preseason. I'm interested to know if you think Chris will be a solid to average second forward as he is now or if he has more to give.
I personally think he hasn't hit his top gear yet. A full preseason is a start, but I think as with most KPF's and rucks (which he is not as Collingwood proved

) take a lot longer to get to their best. The real benefit of Dawes sadly won't be seen in my eyes for at least another season or 2 though. Jesse needs a few years before he demands the best defender and Mitch Elark pissed off after he could have really given Dawes the chance to excel. The other factor that hasn't helped the big fella is our ability to get the ball forward with any real purpose at a decent rate. I'm hoping this will be less of an issue for us though.
Dawes was a decent player with Cloke when he was used as a forward and he has been ok for us (and great a couple of times) but he is coming to his right age now and looks very fit. I hope we can get the most out of him.