Miracle man Daw gets delisted by North

Опубликованно 18.09.2020 14:18

Daw’s return to football after suffering horrific injuries in a fall from the Bolte Bridge in 2019 was one of the best AFL stories of 2020.

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But as the Kangaroos embark on a significant list rebuild, he was one of 11 players advised on Friday they would not be offered new contracts.

Jamie Macmillan, Jasper Pittard, Ben Jacobs, Paul Ahern, Mason Wood, Sam Durdin, Marley Williams, Joel Crocker, Lachie Hosie and Tom Murphy were the others.

Daw’s career with North ends after 11 years and 54 games, but only four this year.

When he debuted in 2013, he was the first Sudanese-born player to play in the AFL.

“It’s obviously pretty disappointing that I’m not going to be around going forward,” Daw told teammates and staff on Friday morning.

“It’s (my career) had its highs and lows along the way. I played one final, and I think I played 54 games in 11 years, so it’s quite a humble career, but I’d just like to thank this footy club for giving me an opportunity to be the first African to play in the AFL. It’s something I will always hold close to my heart.

“I’ve made some really good mates at this place. I’ll miss the locker room banter … it just didn’t work out the way I wanted it to this year, there’s been challenges I’ve gone through.

“The last few years obviously haven’t been easy for me, and I can’t thank this footy club enough for what they’ve done for me.”

Jamie Macmillan, Majak Daw, Jasper Pittard, Ben Jacobs, Paul Ahern, Mason Wood, Sam Durdin, Marley Williams, Joel Crocker, Lachie Hosie and Tom Murphy have been advised they will not be offered new contracts.— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) September 18, 2020

Daw overcame the biggest challenge of his life earlier this season when he ran out for a memorable comeback game against Adelaide in Round 9, having fully recovered from severe hip and pelvis injuries, a hamstring injury and torn pectoral muscle.

“That feat was superhuman,” North coach Rhyce Shaw said.

“How Majak was able to physically recover and mentally get himself back to playing elite level football will be the stuff of legend in the years to come. It’s one of the more remarkable things I’ve seen in my time.”

While Daw only managed 54 games, his legacy will reach far beyond player records and statistics.

“He’s been a trailblazer on and off the field,” Shaw said.

“What he’s done for young African people and his community, combined with what he’s done for those suffering mental health, has been extraordinary.

“I don’t think we can underestimate the impact Majak’s had not only on our club, but the game in general since he entered the league.

“When we look back at what he’s achieved and the battles he’s overcome to not only play football, but to give a voice to those in his community who are treated differently or unfairly, it’s just phenomenal.”

It comes after Saints legend Nick Riewoldt saw the writing on the wall for the 29-year-old.

“I love the story, love where he’s come from, love his fightback. But if you can’t get a game at the moment in that side then it’s probably not a good sign,” St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt said on Fox Footy last night.

“Whether he gets an opportunity somewhere else, there might be a club out there that wants some depth in their key position posts.

“But I think you look at where North’s going and having to pretty much rip the bandaid on and start again, I think he’s in trouble.”

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