Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
MAJAK Daw will become the first Sudanese footballer to play at AFL level when he makes his long-awaited debut on Sunday.
The 22-year-old was told the good news about his inclusion by coach Brad Scott following training today, after forward Robbie Tarrant failed to get through the session.
Daw spent three years on North Melbourne's rookie list before being elevated onto the senior list this season.
He has long been in contention for a spot within the senior team, but Scott wanted to make sure he was ready to play at a competitive level.
Daw, one of nine children, arrived in Australia in 2003 after living in Egypt for three years, having already fled Sudan during the civil war.
In an early interview, Daw said he wanted to be a trail-blazer for other Sudanese players.
"For someone of my background, I'd love to think that I could one day be a role model to the Sudanese community,'' Daw said.
"Some of the kids are probably in the same situation as I was a few years ago, just coming to a new country and not really knowing what to expect.
"Hopefully, seeing me play (in the AFL), it might mean something to them and make them want to play the game as well.''
North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
Speaking before training this morning, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Daw still had areas of his game that he had to improve.
"He's playing really good footy in the VFL but he's not playing footy that is saying you have no choice but to pick me," Scott said.
"The hype is largely external, he knows exactly where he sits internally. Majak is focussing on the facts, he knows exactly what he has to do to force his way into our side but he hasn't quite done that but he's very very close.
"If something happens to a key position player, he's probably the next one in."
Scott said Daw was one of several players, including Daniel Currie, Aaron Black and former Hawthorn rookie Will Sierakowski, who were playing well enough at VFL level to earn a senior call-up.
"It's an unfortunate position to have four or five players that probably should come into our side, but there's not a role for them at the moment.
"They're certainly holding their end up in pushing for selection and if we have the slightest drop-off they'll come in and take someone's spot.
"We're 0-3 but we've got selection dilemmas so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
Scott said the Roos would have to play at their best to beat Brisbane and its skipper Jonathan Brown, who returned to form with five goals last weekend.
"He's always in form against us," Scott said. "He's just a super player, isn't he?"
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