Adelaide midfielder James Peatling says Skipper Jordan Dawson’s first quarter against the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night was one of the best individual efforts he has seen.
The Crows Captain was at his damaging best in the early stages at Marvel Stadium, as he booted three goals and recorded eight disposals to help set up a match-winning 41-point quarter-time margin.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Peatling sung the praises of his Skipper and his influence on and off the field.
“I don’t think I have (seen a better quarter than what Dawson produced), he’s been massive for us this year, obviously there’s a lot of attention around him at the moment and I can’t believe how well he’s handling everything,” Peatling said.
“He’s definitely one of the best players I’ve played with, I was lucky enough to be around Toby (Greene) at the Giants when he was at his best, and I think the two are very similar in how they lead by actions and make you want to get in behind them.
“He’s leading our Club both on and off the field better than we could ever ask, and personally I’m very proud of him and I know the whole Club is as well.”
Peatling and Dawson formed part of a broader Crows midfield unit that stood tall against their star-studded Bulldogs counterparts.
He said it was a pleasing confidence boost for the group, as they matched it with one of the best on-ball units in the competition.
“We always knew we had it in us in the room, but it was about putting that on the park, it is what it is with the outside noise (around our midfield) but we have belief in what we can achieve,” Peatling said.
“And I think we saw that last night, how good we can be, so it does give us a lot of confidence moving forward.
“It’s been great to see the likes of Sam Berry take their game to another level, then we’ve got Daws doing his thing, Stretch (Lachie McAndrew) getting after it in the ruck, there are plenty of positives in the group.”
Adelaide’s coaching staff will face a selection squeeze in the coming weeks, as the likes of Izak Rankine, Taylor Walker, Mark Keane, Mitch Hinge, Isaac Cumming and Jordon Butts begin to press their claims for a return to the side.
Peatling said it was a strong position for the Club to be in, and highlighted the importance of a whole squad mentality.
“It takes a whole squad, everyone is playing their role at the moment and it’s good knowing we’ve got people to come back, but it’s always been a whole squad mentality for us” Peatling said.
“Training will be very competitive in these next few weeks, and I think you’d rather have selection heat than be looking for players, there’s absolutely no complaints there.
“It’s better for our program, and it means if someone goes down (injured) we’ll always have someone ready to come in and put in a good performance for us - at the end of the day it’s just 23 Crows.”
