A week after officially joining Gold Coast as a rookie, the feeling is starting to sink in for Jacob Dawson.

The inside midfielder is one of nine SUNS Academy graduates on the senior list and hopes to become a role model for the other players who remain in the program.

“It’s so good to be around the club properly now and getting amongst all the boys, it’s been great,” Dawson told SUNS TV. 

“It’s good just to be around the club and still be around your friends and family, and to really be a good role model for the other Academy boys. 

Having been part of the Academy program and then graduating onto the list is a dream come true for the midfielder.

“It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true. It would have been my first preference and yeah, I’m absolutely stoked.” he said.

WATCH: Get to know - Jacob Dawson

Those who have spent time with Dawson rate his leadership qualities highly and it’s easy to see why.

He’s extremely respected by the other players in the Academy and the team-first mentality is reflected in how he plays his footy.

“An inside mid that’s got great leadership. His respect among his peers in the Academy is high – he’s their leader and their natural captain,” SUNS List and Strategy Manager Scott Clayton said.               

“He’ll compete hard and give himself every chance.”

As an Academy graduate, the 182cm midfielder is joined by a few familiar faces at the club.

Dawson played his junior footy alongside draftee Brayden Crossley, before spending time as teammates in Gold Coast’s NEAFL side and with the Allies in the National U18 Championships.

It’s been quite the year for Dawson, whose accolades in 2017 include a NEAFL Rising Star nomination and QAFL Premiership win with Palm Beach Currumbin.

Now that he’s an AFL footballer, he can’t wait to see else is in store for him.

“I’ve had a craft session, and then my first full session too so it was a good to get one of those out of the way, 

"It’s good to get started and I’m looking forward to the rest of the pre-season.”