Past #1: Majak Daw [Part II] - 54 NM games/43 NM goals - delisted end '20 - SSP selection for MFC '21 - retired mid-'22

[Black2Blue]

thats incredibly upsetting.

he was on the brink of tearing the game apart, and now most likely will be dealing with day to day struggles of just even moving.

I'm assuming he is conscious at this stage handsome?

What I have heard is that he has been conscious but heavily sedated. And agree, any thoughts of him playing again shouldn't be in the imagination. Word is that he will be requiring multiple surgical procedures. Just making a full recovery of body and mind will be a massive journey in itself.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Not to say I have a lot more information about his injuries than anyone else on this board but there are certainly no guarantees that Majak makes a full recovery let alone takes the field again.

The information we have is that his pelvis is fractured in multiple places, think about this, he now faces surgery to repair the bones connecting his legs to his spine. This is a huge injury for anyone to get back to walking let alone a 100kg athlete getting back to elite sport.

I think the poster you quoted was speaking more from a "manageable to live a comfortable life" type recovery, not a "get back to playing footy" type recovery.

Broken hip/pelvis is no small thing, we should all be thankful if he's able to walk without pain once his recovery is done. I'm hoping for the best.

 

[Dingster]

I'm late to catch up on the news. As much what has happened is shocking, the mental and physical recovery will be a real test of his character and resolve. I'm sure he'll get a lot of support but there's a tough road ahead. Best wishes Maj. Lat your amazing smile and personality shine through.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Do you reckon the club/his family would be okay with fans sending a get well card for them to pass onto Maj?

I'd love to send him something just to let him know that we're all here for him and behind him in his recovery.

I'm sure the club would open and read it to ensure there is nothing that is of poor taste in it which I'm completely okay with.

 

[Moti]

Herald Sun has updated the story with a few more details, including how it happened.


AFL star Majak Daw revealed his fight to overcome his demons in weeks before Bolte Bridge incident
NUI TE KOHA and PETER ROLFE, Herald Sun
an hour ago
Subscriber only
AFL star Majak Daw, who is in a serious condition in hospital after plunging from the Bolte Bridge into the Yarra river on Monday night, recently spoke out about confronting his demons.

Daw, 27, told a documentary crew: “I have always believed that, you know, tough times won’t last. But if I can just ride it through, I’ll come out stronger, and I’ll look back on those experiences and say, ‘I’ve been able to go through that, I can go through anything.’”

PRAYERS, SUPPORT FOR RESPECTED FOOTY AMBASSADOR

DAW’S MENTAL HEALTH OUR PRIMARY CONCERN: NORTH

The documentary, Voice For Change, due to air next month, is meant to inspire troubled souls.

In the interview, the Kangaroos star said he found it lonely being an AFL pioneer, but football helped him block out negativity. He said: “I just focus on what I can do.

“I really have an outlet — I train. I’m at training four times a week, and then play on the weekend.

“So I really use that as an inspiration. Me training well, and playing well on the weekend — they’re the things that are in my control.”

AFL MUST ACT ON MENTAL HEALTH: SCHWASS

PRAYERS, SUPPORT FOR FOOTY AMBASSADOR MAJAK DAW

Emergency services rescued Daw from the Yarra about 11pm on Monday after he fell from the Bolte Bridge in Docklands. He is expected to have surgery in coming days for what are believed to be a broken hip and serious pelvic injuries.

On Monday night, Daw pulled his car up in an operating lane on the bridge. He is believed to have stayed in the car for a short period, then stepped out and plunged into the water.

The North Melbourne player was in a serious but stable condition in the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Tuesday, surrounded by friends and family.

Majak Daw earlier this year. Picture: Tony Gough.

Sports stars past and present rallied around him.

Basketball star Andrew Bogut took to social media to offer the Kangaroos tall his support, saying: “Majak Daw news is shocking. Hope he will be OK.’’

And footy great Wayne Schwass called for better mental health support for AFL players. The Roos premiership ace said footy stars were under more pressure than ever, and needed better skills to deal with outside problems.

He said the footy field was just one area of life in which elite athletes experienced stress. Relationship problems, financial woes, alcohol, drugs and gambling could all trigger mental health problems, he said.

Schwass, who has become a mental health advocate after detailing his own battles with depression, said a collaborative approach from the AFL, Players Association, Coaches Association, clubs and players was needed.

“I’m very confident that for every Alex Fasolo, Tom Boyd, Travis Cloke who comes out and does acknowledge that they are dealing with mental health conditions, there are a lot more that haven’t found the courage,” he said.


Wayne Schwass

✔@WayneSchwass

Thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to @majakdaw

Sending you unconditional support, love and respect during this difficult time brother

#takecare



Daw’s close friend, Ahmed Hassan, director of multicultural organisation Youth Activating Youth, said people were rallying around.

Kangaroos chairman Ben Buckley said Daw’s mental and physical wellbeing was paramount, and the club was “providing full and ongoing support for Majak and his family, and also the players and the wider club”.

The AFL said it had worked with North Melbourne throughout the day “to offer all further support for Majak, his family, his teammates and all staff at the club.”


Daw is the third of nine children in a family that fled civil war in Sudan.

He signed to North Melbourne in 2010, and made history as the first Sudanese player in the AFL.

Majak Daw at North Melbourne training late last month. Picture: Michael Klein

He has said success came with a struggle to keep it real. “It doesn’t matter what heights you reach in life, or how well you’re going at work … you want to continue to stay authentic,” he said.

Daw said he owed it to his parents to thrive.

“From where I’ve come, from being a migrant … my parents had to give up … everything, just for me,” he said. “I want to do the right thing by them, and if I can inspire my younger brothers and sisters and other kids from the community, I’d be pretty happy.

“I really want to make a change in this country and I want to be that bridge between my culture and the Australian culture.”

After 50 games in eight years, Daw had a breakout season this year after being move to defence, where he averaged 5.3 marks a game and garnered two nominations for mark of the year.

People seeking help can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or Kids’ Helpline on 1800 55 1800

 

[King Corey]

Not to say I have a lot more information about his injuries than anyone else on this board but there are certainly no guarantees that Majak makes a full recovery let alone takes the field again.

The information we have is that his pelvis is fractured in multiple places, think about this, he now faces surgery to repair the bones connecting his legs to his spine. This is a huge injury for anyone to get back to walking let alone a 100kg athlete getting back to elite sport.

Immediately wrote off the prospect of his playing career ever resuming upon hearing the news. Those injuries reduce those who incur them to a lifetime of rehabilitation let alone factoring psychological factors on top of them.

All we can hope for is his and those around him’s well-being improving. While he has been a loved player as well as person for many of us, in time the reality of never seeing him play for North Melbourne again ( ) will undoubtedly sink in alongside the recollection of the incredibly sad event that lead to this outcome.

 

[Gasometer]

Off topic but sheesh the Main Board has some Pigs on it

Yet again reaffirms that it’s become Bay 13 Lite

 

[Firestarter]

Off topic but sheesh the Main Board has some Pigs on it

Yet again reaffirms that it’s become Bay 13 Lite

Says alot about its moderators enablers.

 

[Bigeasy]

I am struggling to digest all of this.

Get well Majak.

 

[hilly]

What Bigeasy said. Unbelievable.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[GreatBradScott]

Says alot about its moderators enablers.

I know there is an information vacuum at the minute, which there is for a reason, so every half-wit who thinks they're an amateur psychologist is taking a stab.

Deadset should be embarassed of themselves.

 

[Benno_900]

Really struggling to process this.

Hope Maj gets well physically and mentally. Really feel for his family and close friends.

Forget footy and focus on recovery, bro.

 

[Roobunny]

Haven’t posted here in years, but couldn’t ignore the events of today. I’m not sure what I want to say though, I think I just wanted to acknowledge how awful it is and how much I truly hope Majak recovers both emotionally and physically.

And from someone who’s dealing with their own mental health issues (although mine is more anxiety focused than depression) please get help. Please talk to people. They aren’t easy conversations and there’s no quick fix for but talking to someone gives you necessary boosts, they remind you aren’t alone and that there’s no need to feel ashamed/wrong. You deserve to feel okay.

 

[mouncey2franklin]

This forum is so important for connection and I greatly appreciate that we have this online community when we are feeling a need to share.

Completely agree.

This is especially true for those of us outside of the Melbourne bubble.

 

[Amarula]

I hope he can find a peaceful place in himself. The world needs more of people like Maj.

Amen to that.

 

[Gasometer]

Well wat a sad day

It’s progressively gone from bad to worse since I heard it at 10am with each passing couple of hours. From fell off to worse, from injuries to catastrophic injuries, to probably will play to its all over to

Lived through the Carey incident and then McCartney bombing on Big Footy, but this one stings the heart more than than those two

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Well wat a sad day

It’s progressively gone from bad to worse since I heard it at 10am with each passing couple of hours. From fell off to worse, from injuries to catastrophic injuries, to probably will play to its all over to

Lived through the Carey incident and then McCartney bombing on Big Footy, but this one stings the heart more than than those two

At least with the former 2 I was too young to really understand the full ramifications. This one has hit me like a freight train

 

[jess_1804]

Still numb from hearing the news this morning. Not sure whether it’s because it happened to one of our own or the stark realisation that this horrible disease can rear its ugly head in the seemingly happiest, most outgoing people.

Thoughts are with Maj, his family, his friends, the club and anyone affected by this. Know you all have an army behind you in this fight and the subsequent recovery

 

[tales129]

news and media going with the not so subtle change of fell to plummeted.

just really struggling to comprehend this.

very similar feeling to when i heard the news about phil walsh.

 

[iSmack]

Get well Maj and may this be a small hurdle to a full recovery.

To the East African community, I know the shame and stigma that is attached to suicide. As a community, we have survived much tragedy, instability and difficulties on our path to this beautiful country, hence why the shock, confusion and disbelief.

Mental health is such an alien concept that many languages spoken in our part of the world don't even have a term to describe it. Usually, a word akin to 'crazy' is used to describe mental health....we have much work to do in this area.

Specifically, for those in the Sudanese community and the wider east African community, this is a man who laid it on the line with respect to represting the community while politicians tried to win an election by smearing the majority with the drop kick dipsticks who are in the minority amongst us.

To Majak, what ever happens I salute you. If you make it back on the field may you have a long and successful career.

If Sunday, the 19th of August was your last game, know one thing. You we're sent to be much more than a footy player...in your 50 games for the royal blue and white, you've broken down more barriers and set more firsts than most players ever have...

To you sir, I tip my hat...

 

[Yoko and me]

Really hit deep. Kind and gentle man with a lot on his shoulders.

I have been roundabouts before and got through on luck and having someone there.

When I think back, as I hope Majak will be able to with clarity, and he sees his loved ones scared out of their wits...

Obvious by response on here that no one is an island.

Really great to read thoughts regardless of tribe.

Get well Maj

 

[boondy]

Very sad day to hear the news of Majak . 3 things . 1. Most importantly , His anguish , my heart goes out to him and his emotional /mental health . Hoping he finds comfort . 2.His physical health also , hoping all hope he can play again . 3. When players retire there is sadness as we have been entertained by their abilities and Majak had some amazing attributes , so we respect and admire what they have done .
Personally want to express publicly my thoughts are for Majak to find happiness and joy in his life .

 

[thecatattack]

i struggle with this shit every day and nothing hurts more than to hear about other people struggling too. they don't deserve to, they don't deserve to get to the point where it's seen as the right option.

i really do hope majak comes out of this better than before

 

[The Other Dean]

Felt sick when I heard the news at lunchtime and, frankly, not much has changed. While a big part of me is relieved that there wasn't an even more tragic outcome to this terrible event, right now that doesn't really do much to erase the sadness I'm feeling.

Not a lot to say that hasn't already been said. Reading through everyone's posts, I've been impressed by the responses and genuine outpouring of emotion. Kudos in particular to those who have had the courage to share their own personal battles and experiences with mental health. And cheers to the opposition supporters who have stopped by and offered up their support. At times like this, the community aspect of this place can't be denied.

And of course, just wishing Maj all the best in the world for what lays ahead. With the exception of a handful of deadshits, the entire footy community is in the big guy's corner.

Maj is part of the fabric of this great and tight-knit club we love, and I have complete faith and total confidence that they will do everything they possibly can to assist in his healing. That's a start.

Stating the obvious here, but it's been a very sad day for club and supporters alike.

 

[The Other Dean]

They - good old they - say that you're not a fully developed person until you realise that every single other human being has an interior life just as vivid and real as your own.

I think 'they' could be onto something there.

I reckon we often forget footy players are just human beings like the rest of us.

Ideally it wouldn't take an event as dramatic as this to provide that kind of reminder....but yes, absolutely.