Dalton ran the fastest 2km time trial at the 2025 draft combine, clocking 5:53, and Hawthorn called his name at pick 34 that year. Despite breaking both wrists in the pre-season, he won the Sandringham Dragons' best and fairest from just nine appearances and made the Coates Talent League's Team of the Year. He has played 5 AFL games and kicked 3 goals.