Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has posted an emotional tribute to his brother via social media, days after his death, saying the “hole in (his) heart hurts so bad”.

Jaryd Dawson went missing on Wednesday and his body was found on Wednesday evening. The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.

“My brother. My idol. The hole in my heart hurts so bad pal but I know you’re at peace you made me who I am today and I’m going to pass every bit of that competitive, stubborn, caring and passionate nature onto your beautiful boy,” the tribute post read.

“Huddy and Jess have an army behind them. I’ll miss you and love you forever Rod.”

Dawson teared up on Saturday night as the crowd paid tribute to his brother early in his side’s win over the Saints.

At the 12th minute of the first quarter during the club’s clash with St Kilda (Dawson wears No.12), a photo of the family was displayed on the big screen, with fans urged to clap and show their support.

Dawson, who was not playing but at the ground in a corporate box, was shown visibly emotional during the display, with his head in his hands.

Jordan Dawson’s emotional reaction to his brother’s tribute. Fox Footy

Jaryd’s wife, Jessica Carter Dawson, posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram in the aftermath, saying she was “shattered into a million pieces”.

Jordan Dawson was ruled out of the game on Thursday, but attended the game on Saturday night.

He was sitting alongside his wife Millie Dawson and injured Crows defender Mark Keane.

Dawson was also shown in the corporate box before the start of the game.

The Crows started the game slow, potentially due to what has been an emotionally charged week, but worked themselves back into the contest in the second term.

The game turned into a shootout in the second half, with Adelaide pushing out to a four-goal lead, which was reeled in by the Saints.

The crowd pays tribute to Jaryd Dawson. Fox Footy

It was ultimately decided by a single point, with Crows veteran Taylor Walker booting six goals.

Adelaide get a big win for their season, but also for their captain after what has been a difficult week.

Speaking after the game, Crows coach Matthew Nicks said he was proud of how his club handled the tribute.

“It’s not an easy one for me to talk to, to be honest,” Nicks said after the game.

“The 12-minute mark (tribute), I didn’t actually know that was going (to happen); I thought it was beautiful, just the respect that is here.

“Footy clubs are a great place to be when you have moments like these and (when) you go through tough times.

“We’re all there for the Dawson family and all the extended family. It has been a really, really tough week.

“It was great to have Jordan and Millie in the rooms pre-game tonight; that was really tough for them, but it was good to have them around the group.

“And for the guys to get up, too. He (Dawson) just wanted to see us play the way we play, and we put it out there for most of the game, so we should be proud of ourselves, and hopefully he is.”

Source: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2026-adelaide-crows-pay-tribute-jaryd-dawson-emotional-jordan-fox-footy-criticised-20260418-p5zp2e.html