Already reeling from the death of Dawson's brother Jaryd last month, the Crows wore black armbands on Sunday at the MCG for injured defender Mark Keane.
The Irishman went home last week after his brother Vinny succumbed to a terminal illness.
Having missed last week's Showdown win because of his family tragedy, Dawson returned against the Tigers and the captain was the Crows' fire starter in their 14.14 (98) to 9.7 (61) win.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks spoke post-game of how football clubs are already like big families because of the need to support their people in such a high-pressure environment.
"The last few weeks have been probably at their hardest, in that it's so close to home and it's been a real challenge," Nicks said.
"If anything, it brings you tighter through these tough periods.
"I can't tell you where it sits us at the moment, because of our football ... is not where we want it to be."
The Crows were certainly far from their best in the first half as Richmond came at them hard to lead by 10 points at the main break.
Skipper Dawson stood out by starting the second half in the midfield and having the first possession.
Dawson, Izak Rankine and Wayne Milera led the way as Adelaide piled on 5.4 to one behind in the third quarter. Richmond challenged early in the last quarter but the Crows sealed the win with nine goals to two in the second half.
While Nicks admitted to letting off some steam at halftime, he said Dawson and his teammates were primarily responsible for stopping the rot.
"The players were already talking (about) it when we walked in, although Balmey (Crows board member Neil Balme) did just say he heard me from the stands at halftime," Nicks said.
"That's the most pleasing part, that they're not relying on us (coaches) at all."
Adelaide had a scare when Rankine and Sam Berry limped off in the last quarter with leg injuries, but they were able to return.
Rankine in particular has a woeful injury record at the MCG. Nicks was asked what he was thinking when the Crows star appeared in trouble again.
"There's not much going through my head because it's coming out of my mouth - 'Get him off'," Nicks said.
There was not much Tigers coach Adem Yze could do in the third term, when Richmond laid just four tackles. Adding to their injury crisis, Tom Brown suffered a broken arm early in the first quarter and will need surgery.
"The third quarter just wasn't up to standard and we know that. It just blew us out of the water," Yze said.
"It would be easy to just turn your toes up ... but they didn't do that and the response in the last quarter was a positive."
Adding to the third-term frustration, Noah Balta had a superb shot on goal, only for Mykelti Lefau to try to mark the ball - unsuccessfully. Instead of a badly needed goal, it was a touched behind.
"It summed everything up for that quarter," said Yze, who added that Lefau could not be faulted for his workrate and determination.
Tigers fans were incensed in the last five minutes after a free kick was paid to Josh Rachele.
The Crows sharpshooter kicked the sealer then further enraged the Richmond faithful when he gestured hanging up the phone.
Richmond's Seth Campbell had performed the same celebration, inspired by American tennis player Ben Shelton, in last week's win over West Coast.
Tigers key forward Tom Lynch kicked a game-high three goals, while acting captain Tim Taranto had six clearances and Ben Miller held star Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe to one major.
9°C