The 22-year-old came to the Magpies in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft but only started to find his feet last year after two years of fluctuating form that followed a 2007 season that was dedicated to his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction.
Now, as a premiership player and integral part of the Pies' forward structure, Dawes is enjoying his football and promising start to the 2011 season that has seen him kick six goals across the first two rounds.
"I think I'm starting to take the steps I would have liked to a couple of years ago," he told afl.com.au after the Pies' 87-point win over North Melbourne.
"My development didn't progress how I wanted it to a couple of years ago and it was frustrating.
"I think I've worked through that now and I'm starting to develop like a key position player should."
He said it was pleasing to make up for the time lost from his knee injury, and to feel strong and confident after spending time in the VFL as recently as last season.
"I've been given a lot of confidence from the coaching staff and then just getting familiarity with my teammates, having played with them now for 30-odd games," he said.
"It means that I understand them better, they understand my game better and they're starting to look for me.
"I've got a bigger responsibility this year too in being a tall target up there so all of them help, and the natural development has been why I've progressed a bit."
Coach Mick Malthouse said Dawes' progression had been on a "steady incline" but his young charge had reaped the benefits of some sturdy pre-seasons and the understanding of his size and strength.
"I watched him play in the under 18's many years ago down at Geelong and Victoria were playing," he said.
"He and [Tom] Hawkins were playing in that game and I just thought he protected Hawkins' space a fair bit, and then he did his knee and it was tossed about whether he would come back.
"On evidence to that game, he's a player who can take a lot of ground and protect areas, and I just think his kicking has developed.
"He's a 15m longer kick today than he was two years ago. It's taken him 24 months to get there but he's far more accurate, far more reliable and has far more depth.
"That just comes with a lot of age sometimes, and the experience of going through pre-seasons and knowing your body. He's a big man."
Chris Dawes is a $280,600 forward in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.
