Majak Daw has retired from AFL football, effective immediately.
Daw formerly played 54 games over 11 years at North Melbourne before being delisted at the end of 2020.
Melbourne threw Daw a lifeline through the pre-season supplemental selection period last year, and while the 31-year-old did not debut for the Demons in his time at the club, he has been a consistent feature in the VFL side.
Daw suffered a pectoral tendon injury earlier this month in the VFL and said the timing is right to step back from the league.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that North Melbourne and Melbourne Football Club have provided me over the last twelve years," Daw told the club’s website.
“I walk away from the game with immense pride in what I’ve been able to achieve and the challenges I’ve been able to overcome.
“With my current injury troubles, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on where I’m at and where I’m heading and in speaking with my management and the club, we’ve all agreed that the timing is right for me to retire from the game.
“By stepping away at this stage of the season I can focus on the next stage of my life and spend much more time on my most important and favourite job, being a loving and caring father to my son Hendrix.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the wider football community for their support and care during my time in the industry. I walk away from the game with life-long memories, friendships and real pride in what I’ve achieved.”
Daw was the first Sudanese-Australian played to be drafted when joining the Roos in 2009.
After 54 AFL games, Majak Daw has today announced his retirement.
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) June 27, 2022
Thank you for everything you've contributed to the league over these past 12 years, Maj. 💙
📝 | https://t.co/Wg1fo2IU58 pic.twitter.com/TAAop6WMaz
Alan Richardson, Melbourne’s GM of football, paid tribute to Daw’s determination while at the club.
“Majak should leave the game incredibly proud of what he’s been able to achieve across his AFL career,” said Richardson.
“Maj’s career has had its highs and lows, but to represent his family and the Sudanese community in the manner in which he has, over the course of an 11-year period, is something he should be really proud of.
“Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to have an on-field impact at AFL level with Melbourne, but to have returned himself to a position to be able to compete and train at the highest level is testament to Majak’s determination.
“Given his current injury struggles and opportunities that are currently presenting outside of footy, Majak, his management and the club are aligned in the belief that it is the right time for Maj to retire.
“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to thank Majak for his service over the past two seasons and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Daw also won the 2016 mark of the year.