Max Gawn sets record at 2026 AFL Awards as Jordan Dawson speaks on mental health

Max Gawn has claimed a record ninth All Australian blazer, while Nick Daicos was named player of the year by both the coaches and his fellow players, but a speech from Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson stole the show at the AFL Awards.

Dawson won Best Captain and Most Courageous Player, before being selected in and named vice captain of the All Australian team, and spoke openly about his mental health on stage.

Dawson's brother died at the age of 35 earlier this year, something he says he has struggled to deal with throughout the season.

"It's been a struggle. It's not easy. It's a range of emotions and they come at different times," Dawson said.

"For me it's about creating safe spaces in the footy club and at home, and understanding there will be times when it's hard to go to work and that it is OK to feel a certain type of way.

"It's still raw, it's always going to be hard to talk about. I'm so lucky I have such supportive people around me.

"The mental health space is something new to me, but something I want to learn more about.

"I want everyone to know who is struggling with their mental health that you are definitely loved and that the world is a better place with you in it. You are enough. We all love you, you have friends and family around you."

Gawn, who was named captain of the All Australian side, became the first man to earn nine blazers. Marcus Bontempelli earned selection for an eighth time.

Daicos, selected in the All Australian time for the fourth time in the first five years of his career, also swept the Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year and Leigh Matthews MVP awards.

Carlton's Jagga Smith was named the Rising Star for 2026.