MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Jordan Dawson of the Swans celebrates a goal with teammate Josh Kennedy during the 2019 AFL round 22 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 16, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jordan Dawson requested a trade from Sydney back to South Australia earlier this week as the Sydney salary cap squeeze begins to take some names.

Dawson had a career-best season 2021 and was a key part of the Swans charge up the ladder but he and the Swans have been unable to come to terms on a new deal with his contract expiring at the end of this season.

Both Adelaide and Port Adelaide were said to be keen on landing Dawson but according to SEN's Sam Edmund, Dawson looks likely to join Port Adelaide.

Edmund said that Dawson's decision was keen to stay at Sydney but a deal just couldn't be reached.

"Jordan Dawson most likely to land at Port Adelaide," Edmund tweeted.

"12 months after Aliir Aliir made the same move. Sources say Dawson wanted to stay a Swan but player & club couldn’t find common ground on contract amid salary cap squeeze.

"Adelaide-Sydney cost of living difference said to be a factor."

Edmund went on to say on SEN Crunch Time that Dawson wouldn't go cheaply, despite the Swans being under cap pressure.

“My understanding is he’s destined for Port Adelaide,” he said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

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“I think that’s where he wants to play and the feeling is mutual. 12 months after Aliir Aliir leaves Sydney for the Power, history is about to repeat with Jordan Dawson.

“Port Adelaide would have to part with pick 17, there’s going to be some massaging down here considering he’s 24 years of age, he’s a brilliant kick and he’s versatile.”

Dawson isn't the only Swan who may be a victim of the cap squeeze with George Hewett and Dylan Stephens also being linked with moves away.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: George Hewett of the Swans is tackled by Josh Kelly of the GWS Giants during the round 18 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium on July 18, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Hewett is a restricted free agent and is widely expected to join Carlton. The big-bodied midfielder and the Swans have been a fair distance apart on a new deal for some time now.

Essendon has been linked with a play for former pick five, Stephens. The Bombers recently popped up as the new home for Adelaide defender Jake Kelly.