Majak Daw suffers torn pectoral muscle during weights training but won’t require surgery
Majak Daw’s season was feared to be in doubt after he suffered an injury at training that might require surgery. But the outlook may not be as bad as first thought for the North Melbourne defender.
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North Melbourne has received good news on Majak Daw’s injured pectorial muscle.
The uncontracted defender does not need surgery on the injury and is likely to be back in three to four weeks, meaning he will have time to push his claims for another contract when he returns.
“I saw the surgeon Greg Hoy this morning and he’s told me I can avoid surgery which is great. I can play a lot earlier than expected,” he said.
“They are saying it’s three weeks before I can play but I am going to try to push myself to get back quicker.
“It’s pretty well known I haven’t played for a long time and I just miss playing footy. So it’s a new injury, a new challenge but the hunger is still there to come back and play AFL footy.”
The Herald Sun revealed on Sunday night that Daw suffered a significant blow at training on Friday while completing a weights session at Arden St, with scans revealing he had a tear.
Surgery would have sidelined Daw for three to four months which would have meant missing a second straight season through injury.
In a video posted to social media by North Melbourne, Daw was shown at the club beginning his recovery.
“Good news for Majak Daw - he will not require surgery on his torn pectoral muscle,” the club said on Twitter.
“Maj is back at the club to start his recovery today.”
Good news for Majak Daw - he will not require surgery on his torn pectoral muscle.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) June 1, 2020
Maj is back at the club to start his recovery today, and we'll have an interview available a little later. pic.twitter.com/1TOmOGNSp9
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Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick suffered a similar injury in a pre-season match and is pushing to play in Round 2 against Geelong on Friday week, providing some hope Daw could make a similar recovery in time for finals.
But even the non-surgical route would sideline Daw for at least the next two months after suffering the shattering injury in the gym at the club on Friday.
The Kangaroos are hopeful Daw could still play this season.
“Maj was doing his weights program and felt a sharp pain on his right side during a chest exercise,” North Melbourne football boss Brady Rawlings said.
“He was sent for scans and the imaging showed a tear.
“We are seeking expert opinions as to whether surgery will be required and will make a call on that in the coming days.
“Majak has had an unfortunate run with injury of late but we will support him and ensure he can recover well, and hopefully build up to playing games again this year.”
Daw, 29, missed North Melbourne’s thrilling come-from-behind win over St Kilda in Round 1 with illness.
He missed the entire season last year after suffering serious injuries to his hip and pelvis when he fell from the Bolte Bridge.
North Melbourne signed Daw to an early contract extension last year in a sign of good faith, but that deal is set to expire at the end of 2020 when he will qualify as an unrestricted free agent.
The 50-gamer is one of many senior AFL players facing a nervous wait as the league looks to cut list sizes and reduce the salary cap in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
There is a freeze on all player contracts, leaving any player without a deal for next season in the dark about their playing future.
Daw’s injury places greater importance on the recruitment of Josh Walker to hold down the full back spot.
The Roos landed Walker, from Geelong and Brisbane, for nothing as a delisted free agent in one of the most savvy pick-ups of the exchange period.
Young talls Sam Durdin and Ben McKay will also eye an opportunity as back-up to Robbie Tarrant and Walker.
North Melbourne faces a significant challenge when it attempts to contain Coleman Medalist Jeremy Cameron in the Round 2 clash against Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.
Daw showed enormous promise in a key defensive intercepting and back-up ruck role in a career-best 2018 season.
North is aiming to play finals under new coach Rhyce Shaw this season and have confirmed captain Jack Ziebell will take his place against GWS Giants after hurting his knee in Round 1.
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