Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson is targeted with shocking abuse months after losing his brother to suicide
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has been subjected to vile online abuse referencing self-harm, just months after losing his brother to suicide.
The grieving skipper exposed the Instagram message on Sunday evening after Adelaide’s season ended with a 53-point semi-final defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba.
The message also referenced the R U OK? Day movement, according to The Nightly.
Dawson shared a blunt response alongside the abuse, which Daily Mail has chosen not to publish.
‘There is absolutely no place for this in the world, be better,’ he wrote.
Adelaide has referred the incident to South Australian Police and the AFL integrity unit, with chief executive Tim Silvers condemning the attack.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has been subjected to vile online abuse referencing self-harm, just months after losing his brother to suicide
‘Unfortunately, this disgusting and disturbing behaviour is becoming more common,’ Silvers said.
‘It’s simply not good enough, and it has to stop. There’s no place for it in our community.’
The abuse sparked anger among football supporters, with fans of rival clubs demanding action.
‘This honestly boils my blood. Genuinely disgusting behaviour and I hope he gets some repercussions from this,’ one wrote.
‘Disgraceful. Report to the cops. There needs to be consequences regarding that comment,’ another posted.
Others called for stadium bans and the cancellation of memberships.
Dawson’s older brother Jaryd died in April, with police confirming there were no suspicious circumstances.
The Adelaide captain stepped away from football before making an emotional return against Brisbane at the Gabba later that month.
Jaryd Dawson’s body was located near Robe in South Australia after a search in April
He collected 28 disposals and kicked two goals, kissing his black armband after scoring in tribute to his brother.
After the siren, Dawson broke down in tears as teammates and Brisbane players gathered around him. Lions coach Chris Fagan also offered comfort.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks praised his captain’s courage and spoke about the support surrounding him.
‘He’s got incredible support around him from his family and his extended family, which is our footy club,’ Nicks said.
Dawson later received the Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award and the AFL Players Association’s best captain award.
During the awards night, he delivered an emotional message to people experiencing mental health struggles.
‘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.
‘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.’
Adelaide’s finals campaign ended on Saturday when Brisbane won 21.18 (144) to 13.13 (91), securing a preliminary final against Hawthorn.
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READ MORE: Grieving Jordan Dawson’s heartbreaking final promise to his brother Jaryd
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