Adelaide star and skipper Jordan Dawson has taken to Instagram to call out a vile social media message sent to him by a footy fan in the wake of the Crows’ semifinal loss to Brisbane.
Dawson has been an outspoken advocate for mental health in recent months after his brother Jarryd died suddenly earlier this year.
The message — which the Crows reportedly sent to police — made reference to self-harm and the R U OK Day movement.
The 29-year-old exposed the message on Sunday evening.
“There is absolutely no place for this in the world, be better,” Dawson wrote.
This incident is the latest in a string towards AFL players, with the league battling against online abuse for several years.
Dawson’s bravery was recognised with dual awards on All-Australian night, given the Robert Rose Award as the league’s Most Courageous Player in 2026, as well as being named the best captain in the AFL.
He then delivered a powerful speech.
“I just want to say, the mental health space is something that’s pretty new and pretty raw to me at the moment, but it’s definitely something that I want to learn a bit more about,” Dawson said while holding back tears.
“I just want to wish anyone who’s struggled with mental health out there, or who is struggling with mental health, to know that you are definitely loved and the world is a better place with you in it.
“That you are enough and that we all love you and that you have beautiful family and friends around you.
“Like I said, it’s a space that I really want to get into. When the time’s right, I’ll enter that, but like I said, I just want to say you are enough and you are loved.”
The Crow was named in the All-Australian team, where Melbourne skipper Max Gawn handed over the captaincy honour.
“I think for Jordan to get up and do what he did, to speak about mental health, to lead his side through the tragedy that happened in his family,” Gawn said.
“Just (to) show vulnerability in front of a group of strangers that he hasn’t got it right, he hasn’t got a perfect battle right now and asking for help, that’s a captain that I want to be behind.
“So I appreciate the gesture, but I would want to get behind Jordan Dawson, and I would allow him to do the speech because his speech was perfect tonight.”
Adelaide’s season was brought to an end on Saturday night after a 53-point loss to reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba.
