Majak Daw in hospital after being found injured in Melbourne’s Yarra River
Majak Daw, the first Sudanese-born footballer to play at AFL level, is in hospital after an incident on a Melbourne bridge.
The North Melbourne Football Club is today in shock after learning that one of its popular players, Majak Daw, has been injured in an incident at Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge.
Daw, 27, is recovering in hospital with a broken hip after he was pulled from the Yarra River late Monday night by emergency services.
He is conscious and is being comforted by family.
The incident is being treated as a suspected suicide attempt.
Daw’s teammates, coaches and club officials, who are in pre-Christmas training, are expected to meet at the club’s Arden Street headquarters today.
The Kangaroos issued a statement today:
“The North Melbourne Football Club can confirm Majak Daw is recovering in hospital after an incident last night.
“At this stage the full extent of his injuries are unknown, however he is in a stable condition.
“The club is providing full support to Majak and his family and will give a further update when it is in a position to do so.
“We understand the level of interest but ask the privacy of the player, his family, teammates and staff at the club be respected at this sensitive time.”
Daw, the first Sudanese-born football to play at AFL level, came to Australia with his family as refugees in 2003. He has eight brothers and sisters including 16-year-old Mary, who also a promising footballer.
He grew up in Melbourne’s west and came to national prominence in 2013, when he made his senior debut for the Kangaroos.
Daw struggled to establish himself as a regular senior player but this year enjoyed a breakout season. The powerfully built, high leaping forward and ruckman is one of the most spectacular marks in the game and has developed into an important player for the Kangaroos.
His duel last year with Sydney’s Aliir Aliir was one of the highlights of the AFL season.
Emergency services found Daw at the edge of the Yarra River at about 11pm last night. Victoria Police said his injuries were not life threatening and he is recovering at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
• If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
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