Crows Captain Jordan Dawson is not one to focus on individual performances or accolades.

And it’s that selfless mindset that’s not only driving him, but the entire team, as the Crows look to build on their strong form in the second half of the season.

That philosophy was on full display against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, as the Crows produced an emphatic 57-point victory, built off one of the Club’s best first terms in its history.

Dawson led from the front with arguably the strongest performance of his career, finishing with 32 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances, seven marks, three goals and 570 metres gained.

Despite the individual numbers, Dawson was quick to shine the spotlight on his teammates and the even contribution that underpinned the Crows’ most dominant display so far this season.

“It felt awesome, just our ability to execute our roles at a really high level was what stood out to me,” Dawson told AFC Media.

“Also our fundamentals, we got them right, we got our pressure right, and the goals and everything comes off the back of that.

“In the first quarter, I was able to get on the end of a few, but then we saw guys throughout the match step up and we kept being selfless as a group.

“It was great to start well, but as a group, I was really proud with how we had them on the back foot.

“Coming out after half-time, we wanted to start again, have that mentality of starting again and the scoreboard reset again, so the focus was finishing strongly and not letting them back in.”

Dawson’s standout form has come amid a difficult time personally, following the loss of his brother Jaryd in April.

He said footy had given him a sense of purpose and normality during an incredibly tough time for him and his family. 

“I've said before, I have real clarity in my role as a footballer, and what I need to do come game day,” Dawson said.

“People always used to say that it's two hours a week you get to just not think about anything, and I couldn't believe that more at the moment, it's been a real outlet for me.

“Obviously there's a lot of emotion within games, and I'm riding the waves a little bit, but I'm also finding a lot of joy and positivity in footy, and playing footy with my mates, and in front of the fans.

“I'm really loving, loving playing at the moment.”

The support he had received from the Club, his teammates, coaches, supporters, and the wider footballing community was also helping with navigating the loss, according to Dawson.

“Everyone has been amazing,” Dawson said.

“You obviously don't really know how people are going to react, how they're going to support, and in what ways, and I think the support has been overwhelming in such a positive way.

“The fans will continue to drive me as a player, and I want this group to keep succeeding, and having the fan base get behind me, and get behind the group, I couldn't be more proud to be an Adelaide Crow.”