The 21-year-old has managed three AFL games this year but has been unable to string two matches together, having to the VFL the following week.
His response to his omission has been impressive, averaging 16 disposals, 5.5 marks and 2.5 goals in two matches. It’s clear his ability to maintain his form upon return in the VFL has impressed coaches, after being omitted from the senior side for round 18, Dawes was immediately recalled for the trip to Adelaide.
“I think my work ethic in the seniors and VFL has been strong but that’s not the sort of thing that should change at all,” Dawes told PieCast on Magpie Radio this week.
“In terms of my impact on games I don’t know if I have been doing a lot more than I what I was doing last year and definitely not as much as what I had hoped to be doing this year.
“I have always had a quiet half in games and it cost me spot. I have been in the seniors three times and dropped twice.”
Click HERE to download the podcast and listen to the full interview with Chris Dawes on iTunesIn a ploy to assist Dawes with maintaining a consistent four-quarter effort, the 193-centimetre big man was moved into the ruck on occasion last Saturday night, picking up seven hitouts while giving Cameron Wood a rest.
“It is a good way of getting into the game a bit more because you are closer to the ball. But the flipside of that is you really can’t settle in the centre-half forward position and it can get pretty exhausting.”
Dawes has worked closely with Anthony Rocca, the veteran forward imparting his experience on the rising Magpie.
“Pebs has been really good. He has looked through the games I have played, mostly in the VFL, and make little observations on what I can work on. We occasionally do a few skill sessions just to practice those forward skills.”
While both players work together off the field, Dawes admits there is an underlying battle between the two hopefuls battling for a September spot in the Collingwood forward line.
“It makes things, I don’t know if awkward is the right word, but a bit difficult. He has been really helpful to me and I want to support him as much as I can. At the end of the day we are competing for spots so we are going to hope to play better than each other.”
Click HERE to download the podcast and listen to the full interview with Chris Dawes on iTunes
