Making the move to West Lakes at the end of 2021, Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson thought he'd be making up one half of a formidable wing duo alongside veteran midfielder Paul Seedsman.
Dawson had requested a move from the Swans to become the Crows' newest target after six years as a Blood, returning to his home state of South Australia in exchange for a first-round selection at the 2022 draft.
His move back home was the next piece of Matthew Nicks' premiership puzzle falling into place, with the Crows adding an in-form wingman to make Adelaide's nest home to two of the AFL's best outside midfielders.
Just months after landing in SA, Dawson's new partner in crime, Seedsman, suffered a head knock that has since left him sidelined and facing an uncertain playing future.
The 2015 ANZAC Day Medal winner is yet to step back onto a football field as he continues to battle ongoing concussion concerns, missing the entirety of the 2022 season before being moved to the inactive list in January of this year.
Facing another year on the sidelines and dealing with the reality he may have played his final game, Seedsman may never look across the centre square to see Dawson manning the opposing flank.
For Dawson, that was among the reasons why he flagged his intentions to join Nicks' cause, hoping to partner Seedsman and help steer the Crows back to finals contention.
Speaking toย Zero Hanger,ย Dawson said he's been left disappointed at the thought of never running onto the field with Seedsman, but understands why it may never come to fruition.
"(Paul) was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come over (to Adelaide). To partner with him on the wing would have been nice," Dawson said.
"So not playing footy with him has been disappointing.
"But it's more about focusing on his health and for him to get back to normal and not worrying about these symptoms have been occurring from over a year ago.
"As selfish as I wish I could be with him, it's more important than we get his health right."
Seedsman has been spending time in Melbourne vising specialists to help him on his pathway back to health, with the 31-year-old still available to the Crows at the end of their season should his symptoms wane.
Dawson said Seedsman faces "ebbs and flows" in his recovery, but is on the right track.
"He's tracking okay," Dawson said. "Ebbs and flows a little bit with his health and how he's been feeling.
"He's on an upward trend but it's just a slow grind at the moment."
While Dawson was a common feature for Adelaide on the wing last year, the former Swan is set to shift between half-back and in the middle for his second season at the club, and his first as captain.
The Robe product said he expects to be utilised across all three lines of the field, happy to be called into any role that helps Nicks' planning.
"It'll be a bit of half-back and a bit of midfield. Maybe even bit forward," Dawson said of his role.
"I've said previously I don't really care where I play as long as it's best for the team and whatever they need me to do.
"It'll be half-back probably, but going on-ball as well."
Dawson is set to lead Adelaide for the first time next Sunday when they travel to GIANTS Stadium to face GWS, with the Crows' first home game scheduled for Saturday, March 25 against Richmond.
