JAE Dawes has marked his three-year hiatus from soccer by claiming the Mount Isa men’s senior player of the year award.
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In his first season with Parkside A, the side had an exceptional start to the season and would eventually win the minor premiership.
But key injuries, including his own, and work commitments left Parkside short at the wrong part of the season.
“We had a fantastic start to the season but there was obviously a feeling of disappointment to not be playing in the grand final,” Dawes said.
“With some of our players being unavailable, it was good to see our B grade players step up and perform in A grade.
“It leaves me feeling confident that we can claim the big prize next season, if we can keep every player on the paddock.”
Despite Dawes himself suffering a serious knee injury halfway through the season, before a later season returned, the 25-year-old still claimed the player of the year award.
“The award was a surprise as I missed a fair few rounds with the knee, but it’s a nice recognition,” Dawes said.
“For me though, individual awards will always come second to team success.
“I’d trade the MVP for a grand final victory in an instant.”
The midfielder started his career for Bulli, before seasons with Helensburgh, Bellambi, Woonona, before moving to Mount Isa.
One constant in all those clubs is the guidance of his father and the friendships that he has developed.
“My dad was definitely influential on my career, as he was always happy to go down to the grounds with me and have a kick,” Dawes said.
“He was always supportive, even setting up goals in the backyard, just so I could practice. Along with my dad, my mates have had the biggest influence on my career because to me, Saturday is soccer day.
“Back home you’d be down the ground at 11am to watch youth grade and it was a full day event with the boys.
“Up here, it’s the same here but it’s a full afternoon.
“As a club, Parkside are really good at supporting their teams, with the A grade boys coming in early to watch B grade and B grade lads sticking around to watch us play.”
While he considers all his teammates close friends, that doesn’t mean they can’t be competitive.
“Josh Filewood, who is my teammate at Parkside, would have to be one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played with or against,” Dawes said.
“I guess I got my drive by watching my idol Paul Scholes play for Manchester United. “He was the greatest midfielder of his generation, with a sublime passing game to go along with his vision and work ethic.”
Once Dawes recovers from his knee injury, he intends to replicate the efforts of the Parkside women next season.
“As a club we won four trophies, so we’re very happy with that, with special congratulations to the girls who won their grand final,” he said. “After seeing their enjoyment at winning it, it has made me hungrier to win it for ourselves next season.”