Melbourne veteran Majak Daw has called time on his 12-year AFL career, effective immediately.
Daw has played 54 games in the league since making his debut in 2013 with North Melbourne, where he played all of his career matches.
The 31-year-old joined the Roos as the ninth overall selection in the 2009 Rookie Draft and called Arden Street home for 10 seasons before being delisted at the end of the 2020 season.
Daw gained a reprieve in the AFL with Melbourne, who picked him up through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period early last year.
The versatile tall is currently sidelined for the coming weeks with a torn pec, and has decided to hang up the boots prior to the end of his contract.
Speaking to Melbourne Media, Daw expressed his pride in being able to piece together a memorable career in the competition.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that North Melbourne and Melbourne Football Club have provided me over the last twelve years," Daw said.
“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.”
Demons football boss Alan Richardson thanked the Sudanese-born utility for his service to 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.”
