Dawson played junior football for the Western Jets in the NAB Cup.

After going undrafted out of high school, he played amateur football for Williamstown CYMS and later in the Victorian Football League with the Williamstown Football Club.

[1] Dawson was drafted by North Melbourne with the club's first selection and the second pick overall in the 2022 mid-season draft.

[1] He made his debut in round 20 of the same season.

[3] * denotes rookie listed players