Dawson was a polarising figure during his time at Hawthorn and St Kilda, and the situation hasn't changed since his move to Fremantle, with the 26-year-old's seemingly lackadaisical approach drawing the wrath of the Purple Army.
One person who is definitely a fan of Dawson is Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, who also coached the rangy 195cm backman at St Kilda.
Even doubting Freo fans would have jumped onto the Dawson bandwagon last week after his masterful shutdown job on Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins, who was kept goalless in Fremantle's shock 16-point elimination final win.
Dawson, who was snared with pick No.10 in last year's pre-season draft, has enjoyed a solid debut season at Fremantle, notching 17 games and playing a key role in defence.
And with rebounding defender Luke McPharlin still absent with a hamstring injury, Dawson will again play a key role in Friday night's semi-final against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, taking on either Kurt Tippett or Taylor Walker.
Fellow defender Michael Johnson said Fremantle's playing group loved the work of Dawson, and hoped fans would soon realise his importance to the side.
"I do feel sorry for players out there who cop it from the supporters and the public," Johnson said.
"But Zac's been great, he's taken it on the chin and he's just moved on.
"You can see on the weekend's performance he's stood up for the team and played his role.
"He's really strong in engaging with an opponent, and if he can get a fist in there, we'll get numbers down at the fall of the ball and stop their crumbers.
"He doesn't need to touch the ball, but if he does his job on those key forwards, that's a pass in my book. I think that Zac's done his work this year and hopefully he can carry it on this week.
"He's a great bloke. He brings a lot of experience to the club.
"He's played in a lot of finals games, so if you want to have a chat about that he's happy to pass it on.
"He's a funny character as well."
