Friends of AFL star Majak Daw speak of shock after his plunge from the Bolte Bridge

Mates of AFL star Majak Daw say he was “calm” and appeared in good spirits just last week, days before his plunge from the Bolte Bridge into the Yarra River on Monday night.

Majak Daw. Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Close friends of AFL star Majak Daw have spoken of their shock after his plunge from the Bolte Bridge into the Yarra River on Monday night.

Daw, 27, was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken hip and serious pelvic injuries after surviving the fall.

DAW SPOKE OF FIGHT TO OVERCOME DEMONS

A close friend told the Herald Sun the young Kangaroos star appeared in good spirits as recently as a week ago.

“He is a calm bloke. Last time I saw him we had a laugh,” he said.

“He seemed like he was good.”

Daw spoke of his demons and overcoming “tough times” in a soon-to-be-aired documentary.

It is understood he was seeking professional support for mental health issues prior to the Bolte Bridge incident.

Friends say Majak Daw was in good spirits last week. Picture: Tony Gough.

Daw comes from a large family, including eight siblings, who he helps support.

South Sudanese community leader Richard Deng said yesterday it was a “difficult” time for Daw’s family.

The community support for the North Melbourne star and his family had been overwhelming, he said.

“It’s once again a difficult time for Majak’s family and wider community. The support received from the wider Australian community has been great,” Mr Deng said.

AFL MUST ACT ON MENTAL HEALTH: SCHWASS

SUPPORT FLOWS FOR RESPECTED DAW

North Melbourne has declined to respond to a report in The Australian which suggested Daw had taken a dose of the notorious prescription sleeping medication Stilnox before driving his car on to Bolte Bridge.

Majak Daw at training late last month. Picture: Michael Klein

Stilnox is not banned for use by AFL players, but most club doctors refuse to prescribe it over fears it can be abused when mixed with other substances.

The AFL has no official policy on Stilnox.

Plans to make each of the 18 clubs spend a mandatory amount of money on mental health experts were being considered by league bosses before the Daw incident.

Daw was due to undergo surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital yesterday.

The hospital would not confirm his progress.

If you need support please phone Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp

You can also contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or Kids’ Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Originally published as Friends of AFL star Majak Daw speak of shock after his plunge from the Bolte Bridge