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- Brisbane Lions

Certainly loves the camera, might have some sort of afl media job in his sights when he's done with footy.Dawson is a bit of a character isnt he
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WB v SYD · RIC v MEL · HAW v GCS · ESS v COL · PA v GEE · FRE v CAR · StK v WCE · BL v ADE · GWS v NM ·
Weekend Wrap and "Liked, Learned, Hated" right here -- How did tipping go?
Certainly loves the camera, might have some sort of afl media job in his sights when he's done with footy.Dawson is a bit of a character isnt he
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Brisbane captain Liam Dawson said the record-breaking run has brought a great vibe to the club.
“It’s awesome,” Dawson said. “The boys have played very well all year … It’s great to reap the rewards now and the boys are really feeling good about it all. “They were coming out pretty excited and raring to go today and it’s just an exciting time for the club.”
He said the side’s second-half surge was a matter of cleaning up a couple of key aspects addressed at the main break.
“At half-time ‘Mitchy’ (coach Mitch Hahn) spoke about the contested footy and a bit of composure around the back half,” Dawson said. “We did that a lot better in the third and especially in the fourth … Putting the foot on the throat – that was the overarching theme.”
Brisbane Lions swingman Liam Dawson has heaped praise on the coaching staff for instilling a strong team-oriented ethos, attributing their 2017 NEAFL resurgence to a strong culture that will soon translate into AFL success.
Dawson is confident the Lions can get the job done in the lead up to their Preliminary Final against Sydney University at the Gabba on Saturday, and says the academy boys are more than capable of helping Brisbane to their first NEAFL Grand Final since 2013.
“It’s always nice for those boys coming in and playing their role,” Dawson said. “They know their job. I think previously they were sort of coming in and thinking, ‘I’ve gotta play well’… Now I think it’s more of a team oriented field in the NEAFL. I think that drive is from the coaches.
“Hahny (coach Mitch Hahn) has been big all year about our spirit. I feel as though the academy boys really enjoy coming through and playing with us now. Not to say they didn’t previously, but I think it’s more of an enjoyable environment this year and the spirit has been huge.”
The reinvigoration of a previously stagnant Lions AFL side has been widely attributed to the signings of David Noble and Chris Fagan, but Dawson says Mitch Hahn was also just what the doctor ordered for the NEAFL side as well.
“He’s been really good for us, he’s only given us one spray so far,” he quipped. “I’m sure he gets frustrated in the box but he’s pretty cool, calm and collected when he comes down and speaks to us. It’s what you want for a young group, a coach that we can relate to and has AFL experience as well.”
Dawson likened the feel amongst the group to the 2014 Aspley side which he was a part of, a team that defied the odds to beat the Sydney Swans in the Grand Final.
“I think the most similar thing that we’ve got going is spirit, and everyone getting along, off-field as well. When I was at Aspley I felt so comfortable coming in and knowing that the boys are going to stick up for you on the footy field. “They made me feel so welcome and I feel as though blokes in the (Lions) NEAFL are doing that for the academy boys, they’re doing it for the blokes coming in as first year draftees.”
It’s a culture he says has allowed the club to pull players through the worst of times in light of a recent heart-breaking third ACL tear for Sam Skinner.
“He’s very respected around the club and is an awesome bloke,” Dawson said. “I’ve sent him a few texts (post-operation) and said ‘I’m here to chat’ and all the boys have anyway, so that’s probably the biggest thing… the spirit. “We’re always going to support our team. We’re always going to stick by him. He’s a strong-minded bloke and he will come through.”
The Lions trained this morning ahead of their clash with a Students side searching for their first Preliminary Final victory in three straight attempts. Dawson says they’re wary of what will likely be a very desperate opponent. “We beat these guys pretty convincingly (during the year), I know they’re going to come out pretty hard and are going to be pretty hungry as well,” he said.
Brisbane have their Club Champion ceremony Friday night at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, but Dawson says that won’t distract the NEAFL team from the task at hand. “We’ll have our pasta, waters and Gatorade at the table, so yeah it’ll be a normal game for us. It’s going to be enjoyable but we’ve got to take it fairly easy.”
As for who will take out the Merrett-Murray Medal, the Redcliffe junior had a few tips, with Brisbane’s great Dayne Zorko at the forefront. “Zork (Dayne Zorko) is All-Australian now so he’s up there as one of the top two contenders, I think Dayne Beams has had a very good season as well as captain,” Dawson said.
“All the normal contributors, Rocky (Tom Rockliff) will be up there, I think Squizzy (Lewis Taylor) has had a good season, Froggy (Ryan) Lester, Harris Andrews, all our up-and-coming stars I guess. Sam Mayes has come out of the blocks this year as well, it’s going to be interesting.”
Dawson also reflected on a solid 2017 season for himself, but lamented missed opportunities. “I’ve been pretty consistent in the NEAFL but I probably didn’t take my chances in the AFL and would’ve liked to have a few more games at the top level, but I can’t dwell on it now,” he said.
He’s contracted for 2018 but the 21-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels, hoping to lock down a position and a concrete spot in the AFL side. “I think off-season focus will be just to get really fit, just so I can go through that midfield/forward role next year. “But I’ve got to see Fages (Chris Fagan) and see where I sit and then go from there.”
Just wished they had given him more games in forward line to prove himself but he has a great attitude and a positive outlookI'm a big Dawson fan and have him starting at HFF in my starting 18. Really rate his kicking and I think can be a bit of a utility player this year and have a real impact all over the ground.
Sometimes we forget how emotionally distressing it is for the family with these list decisions. I think Liam will be delisted this off season but would be fine if he was given another year to show his wares. Wish Liam all the best of luck mum with regards to his future playing career whether with the Lions or elsewhere in the AFL or in the lower levels.Just wished they had given him more games in forward line to prove himself but he has a great attitude and a positive outlook
Thanks for your support
Just wished they had given him more games in forward line to prove himself but he has a great attitude and a positive outlook
Thanks for your support
Thanks heapsSometimes we forget how emotionally distressing it is for the family with these list decisions. I think Liam will be delisted this off season but would be fine if he was given another year to show his wares. Wish Liam all the best of luck mum with regards to his future playing career whether with the Lions or elsewhere in the AFL or in the lower levels.
The Brisbane Lions informed defender Liam Dawson this morning that he would not be offered a contract for the 2019 AFL season. Dawson, a former Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy member, was recruited to the Lions in 2014 with pick number 44 in the draft.
The 22-year-old made his AFL debut in Round 8, 2015, and went on to play 18 Senior games in his four seasons at the Lions.
Lions General Manager of Football David Noble thanked Dawson for his commitment to the Club. “It is always sad to see good people go,” Noble said. “Liam has been a valued team member throughout the time he’s been here and has strongly contributed to the Club. “We wish him all the best for the future.”