AFL captains united that video of Majak Daw’s ongoing recovery is ‘awesome’ for the game

A week before they commence their weekly battles of going head to head, AFL leaders took time out to speak as one in admiration and support of Majak Daw’s ‘awesome’ step towards recovery.

“Football ... It’s awesome, isn’t it?”

Joel Selwood is standing in the middle of the MCG on captains’ day in a gathering intended to feed the beast in the AFL’s relentless publicity machine.

Instead, the Geelong captain and his cohorts just can’t help talking about Majak Daw.

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Or specifically, the outpouring of emotion from Daw’s teammates when he ran for the first time this week, a joyous moment that flew around social media on Thursday night.

The narratives around Cripper v Dusty and Lynch’s PCL and Tarrant’s AC joint?

They can wait for next week.

AFL skippers were beaming about Majak Daw. Pic: Michael Klein

Selwood’s “awesome” description of the response to Daw’s progress captures the mood.

As the Cats skipper told the Herald Sun, Daw’s plight and his subsequent recovery is why they are so intent on driving change from the AFL about the mental health of footballers.

“I did see it,” says Selwood. “Even speaking to Jack Ziebell about it today, I said to him that it does so much for your footy club.

“And he said we have never been in a position like that where we have all felt so happy for someone.

“I think that was shown around the football world, which was important.”

Joel Selwood: The AFL captains loved the support shown for Majak Daw. Pic: AAP

Max Gawn, Melbourne’s ring-in captain for the day, is being escorted to yet another photo shoot when he is stopped to ask about the Daw video.

“Best thing I have seen,” Gawn says unprompted, happy to be diverted to talk about a junior rival.

“I am a similar age to Majak and we played a bit of junior footy against each other and I felt like I had to reach out and show my support.

“I really like what clubs can bring and the sense of belonging. I know he is getting a lot of support but it was a really magical thing that clubs can do.”

Ziebell was one of those Kangaroo players who rushed in to see Daw in his first session on the treadmill, having lived his recovery after a fall from the Bolte Bridge in December every step of the way.

“We were there. The whole list was there and it’s just awesome to see Maj taking steps in his recovery,” Ziebell said.

“It put a smile on everyone’s faces and I am sure it did for everyone in the league as well.

“I won’t put words in his mouth but I am sure he is really appreciative of the support.

“He is going really well at the moment and we can only be there for him and help him when we can.”

New Carlton captain Patrick Cripps sat through his first captains’ breakfast with the AFL during which the league outlined its plans for its new head of mental health and support structure.

Jack Ziebell’s Kangaroos got a huge buzz from seeing their teammate back. Pic: Getty Images

He says he watched the Kangaroos’ video of Daw running and it “was good to see”.

“He looks like he’s in a good spot and you never want to see people struggling,” he said.

“It shows if people are struggling they can get out and talk. The AFL is a stressful environment and no one has a clean run through their whole career.

“I think men in general try to bottle things up and think they can do it themselves.

“But it’s amazing if you do get some professional advice, they can change the way you think and put everything in perspective.

“It’s really been a big shift in the AFL industry in the last few years and it’s for the better.”

AFL player’s association board member and GWS co-captain Phil Davis immediately lauded the Roos’ response on social media on Thursday night.

He said Daw’s issues had rocked the playing community.

“I have had a bit to do with Majak, and what a guy,” Davis said.

“Salt of the earth, always smiling. That’s the scary thing because behind all that he’s had some troubles and it’s sad and worrying.

“But his road to recovery and the support he has received, it has galvanised everyone.

“You hear about a broken hip and you think he might never run again.

“Those 30 or 40 blokes getting around him and his excitement … it was a special moment.

“As much as guys do amazing things on the footy field, that was as good as anything I have ever seen.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency, call 000.

AFL leaders gathered for the annual Captains’ Day. Pic: AAP

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