It’s been a successful start to the season for the SUNS’ NEAFL side in 2018, notching up two wins from their first couple of games to kick off the season.

Guided by the tutelage of former SUN turned NEAFL coach Nick Malceski, draftee Jacob Dawson says he’s found it pleasing to see the all the pre-season plans turned into action.

“The boys are stoked with the start,” Dawson told SUNS TV.

“We’ve obviously got a few things to work on but we’re playing well with our defence and our contest and they’re the two things that Mal’s (Malceski) got us priding ourselves on.

“Hopefully a few of the boys can start cracking into the ones and putting a bit of pressure up top.”

Dawson has enjoyed a fruitful start to the season in the NEAFL, averaging 19.5 disposals and six tackles across the first two games.

His attitude at training obviously impressed Malceski throughout the pre-season, with the 18-year-old handed the captaincy for the round one match against Aspley.

“Yeah it was exciting (being captain) but at the end of the day there’s a lot of older guys and there’s a lot of young guys that are leaders too and it takes a bit of weight off your shoulders,” Dawson said.

“You learn to be outside yourself a bit more and make sure you focus on the team and the team’s goals and what you can achieve as one.

“At the end of the day it’s just a toss at the start of the game so Mick (Barlow) and a few of the older boys looked after me which helped us out a lot.”

The inside midfielder’s early form has been hard to ignore, particularly for both coaches and umpires who rewarded Dawson with five NEAFL MVP votes in each match.

“I think Mal’s been looking after me a bit there,” Dawson joked when asked about the votes.

“But it’s all about the team. I’m all about the team and at the end of the day I don’t think I’ve been in the best (players) that much. 

“I’ve been playing a good role but I haven’t been the best player on the ground so if I can keep playing a good role for the team and we keep winning, I’m pretty happy.”