Former AFL player Majak Daw slapped with new driving charges

Former AFL player Majak Daw has copped a fresh driving charge just months after avoiding a conviction for driving with a suspended licence.

Former AFL footballer Majak Daw leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Majak Daw has been hit with a fresh driving charge just months after avoiding a conviction for similar alleged offending.

The ex-Demon and North Melbourne player was charged days before Christmas for driving while his licence was suspended.

Victoria Police confirmed the 31-year-old was charged by Prahran Highway Patrol after he was intercepted on Dandenong Rd, St Kilda, about 7.30pm on December 21.

Daw, from Port Melbourne, was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday but his case was adjourned to a later date.

It comes seven months after he pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to driving an unregistered car with a suspended licence.

He told the court in June last year that he didn’t know his licence had been suspended for three months after exceeding the demerit point limit because he’d moved house and didn’t get the notifications.

Daw managed to avoid a conviction with the help of AFL heavyweights who gave him “impressive” references, including Demons general manager of AFL football performance, Alan Richardson, and North Melbourne executive Cameron McLeod.

He was handed a $1200 fine, with a magistrate finding he’d “ended up in this situation” because he failed to update his address.

Just one week after that June court appearance, the former ruckman hung up his boots, announcing his retirement from AFL after a 13-year career.

He said he left the sport with “lifelong memories, friendships and real pride in what I’ve achieved”.

Daw had made an inspirational return to footy in 2020 after suffering severe injuries following a fall from the Bolte Bridge in 2018.