Magic Majak set to return

Fairytale comeback for Roos big man

ONE of the most astonishing football stories will play out at Docklands tonight when Majak Daw returns to football.

He will run out in the famous blue and white stripes, an emphasis on the run.

Because there was chance on a warm, confusing and potentially grave night in December, 2018, where Daw may not have walked again.

How and why Daw found himself on the wrong side of the fence on Bolte Bridge and how and why he ended up in the mud and water below is a story yet to be publicly told.

Daw was helped out of the Yarra River near Lorimer St by Victorian emergency services. His car was found on the eightlane freeway above.

It was later revealed he had suffered a broken pelvis and broken hip.

Daw’s road to recovery, both physically and mentally, has been long, challenging and ultimately rewarding.

“Proud and happy to say Majak Daw will play tomorrow night,” coach Rhyce Shaw said yesterday. “It’s been a long journey and he’s put his head down and stuck to his task. Really pleased with where he’s at.”

It’s 15 months since the December incident. They have been dotted with moments of joy, not least the birth of Daw's first child, Hendrix Kuat William Daw. He was born in August last year, nine months after the Bolte Bridge ordeal.

In March last year, Daw returned to the footy club and, in one memorable video, was surrounded by cheering teammates when he completed his first training session on a stationary bike.

Daw’s mental battle can’t be described, not by anyone other than Daw. From the outset, the football club’s protection of Daw from an eager media wanting to tell the Daw story has been staunch and, at times, desperate. The only important aspect, the club has argued, was Daw’s mental health.

Throughout, the football club has been magnificent.

Yesterday, the Kangas tried to be low-key in the face of yet even greater media interest.

“We’re fielding media requests every day,” media boss Heath O'Loughlin yesterday said. “When Maj talks is up to him. He’s not obliged to tell his story.”

O'Loughlin acknowledged tonight was a “milestone occasion”, but still a only a preseason match.