Dawson was rewarded for an outstanding individual campaign in difficult circumstances, following the death of elder brother Jaryd in April.
The 29-year-old, who was named vice-captain of the All-Australian team, also won the AFL Players Association best captain and most courageous player awards.
Despite the family tragedy, Dawson was able to lead the Crows to sixth on the ladder and shapes as a key figure in their premiership push.
"It's been a struggle," Dawson said when interviewed on stage at Melbourne's Centrepiece on Tuesday night.
"It's not easy, it's a range of emotions, and they come at different times.
"For me it was about creating a safe place within the footy club, within home, and understanding that there's going to be times when I struggle come into work."
Dawson, who attended the ceremony with his father Tony, said he had received "awesome" support from Adelaide, as well as from his extended family.
He said he has regular check-ins with those close to him.
"It's still pretty raw, to be honest … it's always going to be hard to talk about," Dawson said.
"I'm just so fortunate I've got such great support around me in the footy club and also my loving family and my wife's family.
"I definitely wouldn't be here without them."
Dawson was also one of three finalists for the AFLPA MVP award - the Leigh Matthews Trophy, which was won by Collingwood's Nick Daicos.
The Crows skipper used his most courageous player award acceptance speech to deliver a message of support to others struggling with mental health issues as he - and his father - choked back tears.
"The mental health space is something that's pretty new and pretty raw to me at the moment but it's definitely something that I want to learn a bit more about," Dawson said.
"I just want to wish anyone who's struggling with mental health to know that you are definitely loved and the world is a better place with you in it.
"You are enough, and we all love you, and you have beautiful family and friends around you."
All-Australian captain Max Gawn was moved by Dawson's words.
"We saw some leadership tonight," Gawn said on stage.
"For Jordan to get up and do what he did, to speak about mental health, to lead his side through the tragedy that happened in his family, and then to show vulnerability in front of a group of strangers ... that's a captain that I want to be behind."
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
12°C