Majak Daw takes first step in expected return to local footy club

Retired Melbourne big man Majak Daw has taken a major step towards a local footy return, lodging a clearance to the Northern Football League.

Retired Melbourne big man Majak Daw has wasted no time in locking in his football future.

The 31-year-old has submitted a clearance to Northern Football League club North Heidelberg ahead of the June 30 deadline.

After leaving North Melbourne, Daw had signed for the Bulldogs in 2021 before Melbourne swooped with a pre-season supplementary selection offer.

Daw didn’t play an AFL game for the Demons and called time on his pioneering career this month with 54 games to his name.

As soon as his decision was announced rumours swirled as to his immediate future.

Majak Daw at Melbourne training. Picture: David Crosling

A return to Shelley Reserve was confirmed Wednesday when a clearance was lodged.

Any potential debut will be delayed as he recovers from a pectoral injury suffered just as it appeared he would make his AFL return.

North Heidelberg president Warren Haysom hoped he would don the red, white and blue in the latter part of the season.

“Jason’s (coach Jason Heatley) had a discussion with Majak and it’s sort of been swirling around for a couple of days,” he said.

“Subject to his current injury he may play a few games for us, we thinking four or five at the back end of the year.

“Quite obvious to the football world, our lack of height has been to our detriment this season.

“Some of those close games we’ve been defeated in, it’s probably cost us in one or two, and he’d certainly be very handy on the ground.

“Let’s not count our chickens just yet, if he’s fit he’ll play, if he’s in the right frame of mind he’ll play, and let’s hope those sort of things align.”

The ex-Kangaroo and Demon would be a massive boost to the Bulldogs’ finals hopes.

The Bulldogs currently sit sixth, a game outside the NFL Division 1 top-five.

Daw will reunite with North Melbourne teammate and recently inducted Australian Football Hall of Famer Brent Harvey at the club.

However, his brother Anthony departed earlier this season, submitting a clearance to Golden Rivers club Moulamein and then attempting to join Western Region outfit St Albans.

Haysom said if Daw was able to step onto the field it would be potentially season-changing for the Bulldogs after a number of close losses.

“Absolutely, we think that’s probably the missing piece,” he said.

“It will certainly propel us forward, as a side we’re not that far off, our best football can certainly push the best teams.

“You can’t question the endeavour, we’ve actually been very, very good ... we’ve been in every game bar Round 1 but that’s the way it is.”

Announcing his decision to hang up the boots, Daw said the time was right to step away from the elite level.

“I walk away from the game with immense pride in what I’ve been able to achieve and the challenges I’ve been able to overcome,” he told the Melbourne website.

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“With my current injury troubles, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on where I’m at and where I’m heading and in speaking with my management and the club, we’ve all agreed that the timing is right for me to retire from the game.

“By stepping away at this stage of the season I can focus on the next stage of my life and spend much more time on my most important and favourite job, being a loving and caring father to my son Hendrix.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the wider football community for their support and care during my time in the industry. I walk away from the game with life-long memories, friendships and real pride in what I’ve achieved.”

North Heidelberg hosts Northcote Park this Saturday at Shelley Reserve with the result to have major ramifications for both club’s seasons.