Majak Daw’s reach on display for Werribee during last month’s epic preliminary final against Geelong. 87150_21 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI Job name: VFLWerri
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
NEWLY promoted North Melbourne ruckman and Werribee local Majak Daw is excited about the future prospects for both himself and others walking in his footsteps.
Daw continued to show glimpses of why the Kangaroos have refused to let go of the 195cm excitement machine through his efforts in the VFL with the Werribee Tigers this season.
However, despite still lacking that elusive senior AFL debut after three years on North’s rookie list, Daw was recently promoted onto their senior list, and says he cannot wait for the new opportunities that await him.
“I’m pretty excited,” Daw said.
“It’s been a long time coming, three hard years and now I know what the expectation is.
“It’s taken so long to get on the list, so hopefully next year’s a breakout year and hopefully I’ll get a few more games.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
The 21-year-old, who is considered a trailblazer for young footballers of African descent, says his time with the Tigers has supported his development significantly.
“I think I’ve proved to a lot of people that I’m hopefully capable of playing AFL footy, and three years in the VFL with the Werribee Tigers were three good years,” Daw said.
“I live around the corner from the footy club, it’s a great footy club to be at and with Scotty West coaching down there it’s a good culture at Werribee.
“We just missed out by five points in the prelim this year but hopefully we can get things back on track next year.”
Daw is aware of the impact he has had on the young multicultural talent now taking up the game, particularly those coming from his own backyard in Melbourne’s west.
He says he is buoyed to see such talent turning to Aussie Rules.
“Over in the west, especially at my local footy club, the Wyndhamvale Falcons, there are a lot of kids that are playing in the western region predominantly of African background,” Daw said.
“It’s good to see my younger brother and his friends playing out there.
“With him not being the only African in the team, if other Africans come and watch the game they’ll feel more comfortable and it makes them want to join, seeing others playing out there.
“When I first started playing in juniors I was probably the first African running around in the competition, but now there’s up to a dozen playing, so it’s growing.”
