This is the 2702nd most frequent Polish word.
dawnego
"Of former" or "of old."
The word 'dawnego' is used here as an adjective in its masculine singular genitive form to describe 'życia', meaning 'life', to express 'former' or 'of ancient times'.
Zamek wygląda jak z dawnego życia.
The castle looks like it's from a former life.
The word 'dawnego' is applied as an adjective in its masculine singular genitive form to modify 'mistrza', meaning 'master', indicating someone from the past.
Ten obraz przypomina mi dawnego mistrza.
This painting reminds me of a former master.
Here, 'dawnego' modifies 'zespołu', meaning 'team', using the masculine singular genitive form to signify something from a previous time or situation.