[1][2] Raised in rural South Australia at Dingabledinga, Dawson was schooled at St Peter's College where he took up rowing.

[8] He returned to Australia due to Covid concerns and entered the Australian senior men's squad.

[14] In March 2022 Dawson was selected into the men's sweep squad for the 2022 international season and the 2022 World Rowing Championships.

[16] At the Rowing World Cup II in Varese, Italy Dawson raced as Australia's 2- entrant with Jack O'Brien.

[14] For the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Belgrade Serbia, the Australian men's eight was left unchanged and Dawson again raced in the seven seat.