Kangaroos medicos call for help after Majak Daw concussed in an accidental head clash. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
Majak Daw leaps over the pack to take a spectacular mark. Source: Getty Images
MAJAK Daw is up and about.
It's exactly what North Melbourne fans want to hear.
And his teammates are pretty excited too.
Defender Scott Thompson said this afternoon he can't wait to see Daw play again.
And he might not have to wait that long given Daw's seemingly trouble-free recovery from concussion today.
The 22-year-old was knocked out after clashing heads with teammate Ben Cunnington and was substituted in the first term.
But he was showing no ill-effects today when he joined teammates for a recovery session at the pool and then an indoor skills session at Arden St.
"He's joking around and all the boys are getting around him," Thompson said.
"He looks good and I think the club will give him every chance to play again this week."
Maybe it was the fact he went off with concussion, maybe it was all the pre-match hype, but whatever the case the legend of Daw's first 20 minutes in the AFL seems to be growing by the hour.
"It was a fairytale start, I think," Thompson said.
"A great grab and a great goal with his first kick in AFL. It's exciting for his future.
"He's a great athlete and I can't wait to see him play more footy."
And when Daw does play again, Thompson said his teammates would have no hesitation in bombing it long to him such was the brief moment of marking prowess he showed in the forward line against the Lions.
"His athletic ability is impressive," Thompson said.
"One on one he's a hard player to play against, so we've got full confidence in him that he can do his role and take those big marks."
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Majak Daw of the Kangaroos gets carried off the ground after a heavy knock during the round four AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on April 21, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
The cruel reality is that Daw probably won't remember his first AFL game.
But like a grandfather taking his grandkids through past glories, Daw's teammates will paint him a vivid picture.
And unlike the old man, there will be no need for exaggeration.
Daw will hear how he started deep in the forward line opposed to Irishman Niall McKeever in something of a multicultural match-up.
And that despite McKeever's attempts to rough him up, within 60 seconds he had set Etihad Stadium alight.
The North boys will tell him that he waited for Daniel Wells to bomb the ball to the Lockett end where he soared from behind - and then above - McKeever to take one of the purest one-grab marks you'll ever see.
Daw will be reminded that despite all the adrenalin in the world pumping through his veins, he went back with the poise of a 200-game veteran to slot the game's first goal from 45m.
Then he will be told that every single Kangaroos player on the ground went to embrace him on the 50m line in scenes of jubilation.
All this within the first 60 seconds of the match against the Brisbane Lions.
With straight faces, Daw's teammates will tell him his one act of brilliance caused Lions coach Michael Voss to change the match-up and send Joel Patfull to his side.
Daw may recall outmarking Daniel Merrett - for that doesn't come easily - a few minutes later in the pocket. He composed himself but sent his shot across the face.
North Melbourne players celebrate Majak Daw's first ever AFL goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
At the 11-minute mark he wreaked havoc by leaping third-man up at a ball-up to create an opportunity for Lindsay Thomas.
Daw might shake his head when informed that he was cheered off the ground for his first breather after 13 minutes and that, upon his return, the Roos cheersquad rose as one to welcome him back inside 50m.
It was the stuff of dreams, they will say.
But then, they'll get to the reason why Daw can't hold on to the precious memories of a debut more than three years in the making.
The Sudanese giant swooped on a loose ball at centre half-forward and was slung in a tackle by Merrett that caused him to clash heads with teammate Ben Cunnington.
Flat on his back, arms splayed, he was out cold.
The players will tell him they could feel the excitement being sucked out the ground, for this was a thrilling 20-minute taste of the big time that was over all too soon.
Daw was officially subbed out of the game by quarter-time, but you'll struggle to find a sexier two kicks, one handball, two contested marks, one hit-out and 1.1 return on a footy stat sheet.
Indeed, Majak does happen.
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