AFL player Majak Daw in hospital after serious Bolte Bridge incident

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley said the club’s primary concern is for Majak Daw’s mental and physical health as he recovers in hospital from serious hip and pelvic injuries after an incident on Bolte Bridge.

Majak Daw is recovering in hospital. North Melbourne says it’s providing full support to Daw and his family.

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley said the club’s primary concern is for Majak Daw’s mental and physical health as he recovers in hospital from serious hip and pelvic injuries after an incident on Bolte Bridge.

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Speaking to media at Arden Street today, Buckley said Daw was in a stable condition and is expected to be operated on in the next few days.

“Our primary concern of course is his mental and physical health and wellbeing and also the wellbeing of his family, friends, teammates and coaches and staff at the club,” Buckley said.

AFL MUST ACT ON MENTAL HEALTH: SCHWASS

“The club is providing full and ongoing support for Majak and his family and also the players and the wider community.

“We would like to thank everyone for their concern for Majak.

“We understand the significant level of interest but we ask that the privacy of Majak, the family, the staff to be respected at this time.”

The AFL said it had worked with North Melbourne throughout the day “to offer all further support for Majak, his family, his teammates and all staff at the club.”

“We strongly endorse the club’s request for the privacy of Majak and his family to be respected, along with all those at the football club,” AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said in a statement.

Emergency services rescued Daw, 27, who was found in the Yarra River at the Docklands, just west of Melbourne’s CBD, about 11pm last night.

Buckley said Daw sustained very serious injuries to his hips and pelvic region.

The incident prompted former premiership player and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass to hit out at the AFL industry over its handling of player welfare.

“At what point will the AFL industry come together to begin to seriously address the issue of mental health?,” Schwass said in a tweet.

Majak Daw in action in 2017. Photo: Getty Images

Daw is known for his athleticism and high marking. Photo: Michael Klein

The incident happened at the bridge about 11pm last night.

“Surely, that point is today/now!

“Fortunately the outcome of today’s event wasn’t more tragic.

“A very serious wake up call our industry needs to get serious!”

Mental health has long been a serious issue in the football world.

Schwass, a former North Melbourne and Sydney star, has been the game’s most vocal mental health advocate since revealing he struggled with depression throughout his 282-game career.

He told the Herald Sun AFL players were under more pressure than ever.

“They’re under enormous pressure,’’ he said.

“AFL is a really stressful environment because of the nature of the sport so we equip them and educate them to be as good a player as they can be and the tools to help them achieve that.

“But what I see is a lack of investment and education and commitment to helping athletes develop the necessary emotional tools that enable them to deal with and manage stressful situations that may arise in their life.’’

The AFL Players’ Association said in a statement that it was committed to ensuring all players could access the support they needed.

“The AFLPA has been working closely with North Melbourne to ensure Majak Daw and his teammates, as well as other players from across the competition, have access to the appropriate wellbeing support,” it said in a statement.

“We join the AFL and North Melbourne in calling for the privacy of Majak, his family and his teammates be respected during this challenging time.”

Western Bulldogs’ Jason Johannisen and Daw at the AFL Harmony Game launch at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Tony Gough

Signing autographs for fans earlier this year. Picture: David Crosling

Former North Melbourne and Hawthorn player Nathan Thompson was one of the first to reveal his battle with depression and its impact on his career and life.

Thompson, who retired in 2008, spoke in 2015 of the difficulties players can experience in finding the right support for what’s seen as a private struggle.

“How would you know? It’s not a cut, it’s not a bruise, it’s not a limp. The only time that you ever show anything is if you break down — if you have a genuine breakdown — where you physically show the outcome of what’s happening to you.”

Swans star Buddy Franklin took time away from footy in 2015 to deal with depression and anxiety. He put his mental health ahead of playing finals football and later said he was glad he made that call.

“I feel much better about myself now and things are looking up,” he told Channel 7 shortly before his return to the game in 2016.

Current and former AFL stars have thrown their support behind Daw:

Thoughts and prayers are with you @majakdaw hoping for some good news.

— Sam Docherty (@DochertySam) December 17, 2018

Praying for ya brother 😔

— Nic Naitanui (@NicNat) December 18, 2018

Thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to @majakdaw 🙏🏼

Sending you unconditional support, love and respect during this difficult time brother💙 #takecare

— Wayne Schwass (@WayneSchwass) December 17, 2018

Thoughts with @majakdaw during this difficult time. Nothing but love and support for you brother.

— Alex Woodward (@AlexWoodwardd) December 18, 2018

Less than 3 weeks ago, @majakdaw and I went to our high school and spoke at a sports luncheon.

He was enjoying footy, in a happy relationship, and looking at buying a house. He’d never seemed more “settled”.

Could never have seen this coming.

Hoping for a quick recovery mate!

— Jack Fitzpatrick (@jfitzpatrick_t1) December 18, 2018

Outreach worker Les Twentyman told the Herald Sun Daw had recently made plans to help wrap presents for The Les Twentyman Foundation, which provides services for Melbourne’s at-risk youth.

A family friend told the Herald Sun that “everyone is a bit stressed”.

“We’re still trying to figure everything out,” he said.

The friend said he drove Daw’s sisters to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to see him this morning.

Close friend Ahmed Hassan, director of multicultural organisation Youth Activating Youth, said the community is rallying around Daw.

He described Daw as a “brother” and “mentor.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with my brother,” he wrote on Twitter.

“We are wishing you a speedy recovery. The community is right behind in these tough times as you have been a real mentor to our youth who look up to you.”

Having played 50 games in eight years, Daw is coming off a breakout season after being moved to defence by North Melbourne where he averaged 5.3 marks a game, including two nominations for mark of the year.

At the AFL Players' MVP Awards. Picture: Tony Gough

Derby Day races, Flemington. Picture Jay Town

Daw has become one of the league’s top intercept marking players. Picture: Michael Klein

The first Sudanese-born footballer to play at AFL level, Daw’s career got off to a slow start but he is now viewed as one of the better intercept marking players in the game.

Daw and his family were refugees from war-torn Sudan and his AFL story has gained world coverage, particularly a game this year where he and a fellow Sudanese player in Aliir Aliir of Sydney went head to head at Marvel Stadium in a stunning display of athleticism.

Daw in action for the Kangaroos. Picture: AAP

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said he is now in a stable condition recovering at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said officers responded to an incident on the Bolte Bridge, near Lorimer Street.

The Herald Sun has made contact with Daw’s manager, who said the club would be releasing further information in the coming hours.

He did not train yesterday.

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