In the 2016–17 season, Dawson was given a number 8 shirt for the new season. At the start of the season, he continued to be in the first team, having to kept himself fit in the club's pre–season tour and was featured in every matches until he suffered an injury in late–November. After returning to the first team from injury, He then scored his first goal for Scunthorpe in a 3–2 win over future club Bury on 7 January 2017. His second goal came in a play-off semi final defeat to Millwall on 7 May 2017. Despite the club's failure to reach the play–offs final, Dawson won both the Players' Player of the Year and the Disabled Away Travel accolade. At the end of the 2016–17 season, he made the total of 49 appearances and scoring 2 times in all competitions. During his time at Scunthorpe United, Dawson was the club's fan favourite.