Former AFL player Majak Daw urged his players to gain community respect through footy

Former AFL high-flyer Majak Daw believes the South Sudanese community can “earn the respect” of the nation through footy. Here’s why. 

The first South Sudanese AFL star has pleaded with his countrymen to “earn the respect” of Melburnians through their deeds on the footy field.

Former North Melbourne and Melbourne player Majak Daw coached the South Sudanese team in the World 9s at the weekend and implored his team to lead the way in on-field behaviour.

“I told the boys today; we’re not the most respected community in Melbourne,” he said.

“My message to the guys today is that we want to be the most respected team today out of everyone.

“We want to respect the opposition, we want to respect the other guys.

“I think there are ways we can (improve our image), that’s through victories and shaking the opposition’s hand, treating the opposition the right way.

“We were vocal on the bench and at times I was like ‘boys let’s just calm it a little bit’.

“If the result doesn’t go our way, we want to be the most respected team throughout this whole competition.”

Majak Daw coached South Sudan. Photo: Mark Avellino Photography

Both missions were accomplished by Daw’s outfit, as his side not only took out the Division 1 premiership but also put a lot of smiles on faces with how they approached the day.

As a result, Daw felt immense pride in his players.

“The special thing about them is that we’ve all grown up in the same area,” he said.

“A lot of us are friends, cousins, went to school together – it’s pretty cool… all these guys playing together.

“It’s been an unbelievable day, they asked me if I wanted to coach, it’s hard with your friends but they’ve been really receptive to messages throughout the day.

“I don’t have a lot of experiencing in coaching, but it’s been a lot of fun, the best thing about it is that in terms of the multicultural community, football is thriving.

“It’s good to see a lot of people out here respecting their respective nations.”

The South Sudanese side were all smiles on Saturday.

Combining the open space of Footy 9s and the South Sudanese electric style of footy, Daw – who was withheld from playing – was somewhat glad he wasn’t on the field, playfully suggesting that it might’ve tested his fitness.

“It’s more about handball receives,” he joked.

“It’s so difficult to defend, AFI (Australian Football International) has done a great job to be able to allow this game to go for everyone, but it is quick… I don’t know how I would go playing it.”

Samoa (women’s) and United Nations (Division 2) were the other sides to win premierships at Box Hill Rugby Club on Saturday.