Kangaroos’ concern at Majak Daw’s mental wellbeing after bridge incident

The AFL community has rallied around Majak Daw and his family after an incident on a Melbourne bridge.

Majak Daw, centre, celebrates with teammates Jamie Macmillan, left, and Kayne Turner after a Kangaroos win in July. Picture: Getty Images

As the first Sudanese-born footballer in the AFL, Majak Daw has been a trailblazing talent with a role far more important than simply excelling in defence for North Melbourne over the past year.

The 27-year-old’s position as one of the league’s multicultural ambassadors and the inspiration he has provided away from the game form part of the reason the broader football community is rallying for him as he recuperates in hospital from a broken hip and a serious pelvic injury.

There was concern for Daw yesterday after it was revealed he had been rescued from the Yarra River, beneath the Bolte Bridge, following an incident late on Monday night.

Police are investigating and Daw’s friends and family are searching for answers as they hope for a speedy recovery for the Kangaroo defender, who is receiving ongoing medical treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The events that led to Daw being rescued from the river are unclear. North Melbourne issued a statement asking that his privacy and that of his family and teammates be respected at “this sensitive time”.

Late yesterday at the club’s Arden St base, North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley said Daw was in a stable condition and was expected to be operated on in coming 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. “The club is providing full and ongoing support for Majak and his family and also the players and 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 and the staff be respected at this time.”

West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui and Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty were among those who issued statements expressing their best wishes for Daw.

Former Melbourne ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick noted he had recently attended a lunch at their former school and said Daw was “enjoying footy, in a happy relationship and looking at buying a house”.

The pair spoke at MacKillop Catholic Regional College in Werribee late last month while celebrating the sports awards winners in the region.

North Melbourne premiership player Wayne Schwass, who is now a mental-health advocate, said the incident involving Daw was a “very serious wake-up call”, while also offering his support. He said the mental health of footballers should be a priority for the AFL, saying players had listed this as their number one priority.

Players including Sydney Swans superstar Lance Franklin have spoken about their battles with depression. The league had yesterday enlisted Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe and Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt to promote the AFLX concept to be held in February but cancelled their appearances shortly after news surrounding Daw became public. The progression of Daw, who along with his family were refugees from Sudan, to league football has been hailed as a triumph.

The athletic Kangaroo has been on North Melbourne’s list for eight years but blossomed this season when shifted from ruck to defence, playing a career-high 18 games in 2018 to take his career tally to 50. So rapidly did he progress when shifted to defence that Champion Data rated him the fourth-best defender in the competition, with his marking strength and agility when the football was at ground level notable.

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