Dawson began his career at Hawthorn, after been taken with pick 41 in the 2003 draft, but he managed just 14 games in five seasons at the Hawks before Lyon gave him a lifeline with St Kilda.
"Obviously he kind of got me off the scrap heap at St Kilda," Dawson said.
"I could say ’I could've done it without him’ but I probably couldn't have, because he’s obviously seen something in me and we have a pretty good relationship and that's something you've got to try and hold on to when you get into this caper.
"So it's probably a lot to do with him."
Dawson played 64 matches in three years at the Saints, including three Grand Finals, before moving west with Lyon in 2012.
He's played in more finals than any of his Docker teammates.
"It's been a pretty long journey, coming into my tenth year now.
"My first five years at the Hawks was probably pretty slow and I didn’t make too much progress. But the last five years has been a real bit of a whirlwind journey, playing in a few grand finals and obviously not getting over the line."
"It’s been a really great experience and coming over here the last couple of years it's been really exciting and I’ve settled in really well.
"Obviously you don't really think about the 100 games too much but once it's all done and dusted you'll look back and be proud of it."
Dawson made his AFL debut against Richmond in round 21 2005, and it is ironic that the Tigers are the opponents in his 100th. Dawson is aware of the challenge confronting Fremantle.
"They have a pretty exciting midfield.
"I think it's something that we definitely have to focus on this week."
Dawson was unsure who his opponent would be, but said it would most likely be one of Jack Riewoldt, Luke McGuane, or Tyrone Vickery.
The prospect of facing Riewoldt loomed as an exciting challenge.
"Especially when they’re up and going I think he’s a pretty formidable opponent. His multiple efforts and his pack marking is pretty impressive.
"You always look forward to the big challenges as a backman. We don't get too much glory down back so it's kind of a weird thing. You look forward to playing on the bigger players because that’s kind of the most exciting part of the job."
