Former North Melbourne forward Majak Daw has chosen Deer Park as his new home after splitting with North Heidelberg last month.
Daw, who played 54 games at AFL level and kicked 58 goals from 17 games for North Heidelberg last year, was sacked by the Northern Football Netball League club in March.
North Heidelberg president Warren Haysom made the stunning decision public on Facebook.
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“The North Heidelberg Sporting Club advises all members, sponsors and key stakeholders involved with the club that Majak Daw has parted ways effective immediately,” Haysom said.
“From a club perspective, there are reasonable expectations and commitment levels that are non-negotiable that apply to all our senior listed players and unfortunately Majak has failed to meet those standards over the pre-season.
“We wish Majak all the best in the future.”
The 195cm man mountain announced on social media this week that he had settled on his new club for 2024.
Daw posted a photo of himself alongside younger brother Anthony Daw — who played with him at North Heidelberg and has followed him to Deer Park — in their new colours.
“A couple of brothers playing together this year! You can’t beat that!” the 33-year-old wrote.
“Not an easy decision but one I had to make, as the sun is setting over my career and my body is telling me it’s time shortly.
“I couldn’t help but go play with my brothers.
“To my previous club, you hold a special place in my heart.”
Daw will juggle his playing commitments with his VFL coaching role at Werribee.
Daw played all of his 54 AFL games for North Melbourne, where he was listed between 2011 and 2020, but had his career extended by one year when Melbourne took a punt on him in 2021, though he didn’t play a senior game.
In late 2018 — after playing a personal best 18 AFL games for the season — he shocked the football world when he fell off the Bolte Bridge.
There were fears that he would never play again after suffering serious injuries to his hips and pelvis, however he recovered and made a miraculous return to AFL level in 2020.
Last year in May, Daw appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after he was charged with drink driving.