AFL: Majak Daw comeback on track despite flu
The remarkable comeback of Majak Daw from a life-threatening fall is on track this weekend despite the Kangaroo contracting the flu.
The remarkable comeback of Majak Daw from a life-threatening fall remains possible on Sunday despite the Kangaroo contracting the flu.
Amid the coronavirus crisis, every sniffle triggers additional alarm in society, with North Melbourne isolating the high-marking footballer from the club’s Arden St base as a result.
Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw said there were no plans, at this stage, to test the 29-year-old for COVID-19 as his symptoms did not align with noted triggers.
But he said the club was understandably cautious in the current climate ahead of Sunday’s game against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the season would be halted for 14 days should a player contract the virus when announcing the decision to begin the season, which will occur when reigning premiers Richmond tackle Carlton at the MCG on Thursday night.
“If we did that four months ago, if he came in with the same illness four months ago, he would be training,” Shaw said.
“We are just taking precautions as necessary and we will weigh up what that looks like on Friday.
“I think it is just the common cold or flu or whatever he has got, he has got the sniffles (and) he doesn’t seem too bad, but our docs have been fantastic (in stressing) that we take all the right precautions.”
Daw abandoned his car and fell from Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge in December, 2018, amid personal turmoil.
He made steps towards a return to the Kangaroos VFL side last July after recovering from severe pelvic and hip problems.
Capable of filling a role in attack and the ruck, Daw has since blossomed in defence.
He performed well through the pre-season and is understandably keen to add to his 50 games.
Shaw said he had spoken to Daw about the situation, with a final decision to be made on his return on Saturday.
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