Daw’s inspirational return to victorious Roos was short but sweet

IT might be the most uplifting 20 minutes of football this year.

Majak Daw made an inspiring return for North Melbourne in the VFL against Sandringham at Arden St Oval yesterday, six months after being rescued from a fall from the Bolte Bridge.

Daw started at fullback and played two eight-minute stints in the first term before coming back on the ground for a run in the forward line.

He did not quarter-time.

Daw pumped his fist to the crowd when he ran out and supporters cheered every time he went near the ball.

He pulled in a pack mark in defence — reminiscent of the form he displayed last year in his career-best season — and finished with four disposals. play after

North Melbourne VFL coach David Loader marked Daw’s return a success.

“It’s super-exciting having him back and it was a great day for the club, for the boys and for Maj himself, so really pleased to have him back in the fold,” Loader said.

“This is why footy is such a great game and we’re lucky to be involved with such a great club. We were rapt with having him back.”

Daw was pulled from the Yarra River with serious hip and pelvis injuries on December 17.

He has completed a painstaking recovery, which has included learning to walk again.

Daw moved freely in his brief time on the ground.

“We’re just so pleased to have him back playing footy. Regardless of how he played, just having him back on the field was a win,” Loader said.

Loader said he tried to get Daw to kick a goal before he was pulled from the game.

“I thought, ‘Gee, it would be a nice way to write the fairytale, wouldn’t it, if he takes a mark and kicks a goal just on quarter-time’,” he said.

“But the expectation was just for him to get out there and enjoy his game and he got to do that.”

North Melbourne won the game 14.14 (98) to 5.11 (41).