After playing the final six games of 2008, many believed Chris Dawes would find a permanent role in the Magpie senior forward line the following year.
The 2009 season did not meet the 21-year-olds expectations as he was only able to manage four AFL games.
He played 18 games for the VFL side and was the second leading goal kicker for the side with 29 goals including kicking a bag of five in the Box Hill win in round five.
Dawes utilised his extreme overhead strength to become a marking force inside the forward 50 averaging 4.8 per game, fourth most for the side.
The senior match committee called upon Dawes’ services for three late-season rounds to serve as a back-up ruckman for an injured Josh Fraser. Dawes finished out the remainder of the season, including finals, in the VFL.
The retirement of Anthony Rocca should help Dawes’ case in 2010, however the addition of Darren Jolly will add a certain level of intrigue over how the forward line, under the guidance of Nathan Buckley, will function.
Paul Hudson: We are looking at him stepping up next year. His marking improved and he is starting to get penetration through his kicking. He will be given every opportunity throughout the 2010 season. He needs to start games a little better.
2009 highlights
Round nine v Port Melbourne: Played an instrumental role in the fourth-quarter comeback. Finished the day with a season-high 24 possessions, eight marks and one goal.
Round 12 v Frankston: Listed in the best in the big win over Frankston, Dawes booted three goals and had 22 possessions. He was praised by development manager Luke Beveridge for his work rate and his ability to create opportunities.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 4 | 5.0/65.0% | 8.3/84.8% | 13.3/77.4% | 4.5 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 1.3 |
2009 VFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | T |
| 18 | 8.2 | 6.2 | 14.4 | 5.8 | 2.8 |
