Since coming to North Melbourne, there’s been a lot of hype around Majak Daw. Now, the Sudanese-born Kangaroo is another step closer to realising his dream of playing AFL after being elevated to the club’s senior list for his fourth year in the system.

“It’s been a long three years on the Rookie list but it’s really exciting the club’s decided to elevate me. I’m really looking forward to the pre-season and hopefully playing my first senior game next year,” Daw told kangaroos.com.au at the Australia Post Multicultural Schools State Cup.

“I’ve learnt so much over the last three years and I’m really excited for the challenge.”

With speculation surrounding the possible departure of ruckman Hamish McIntosh to Geelong, Daw’s value as a ruck/forward prospect has significantly increased.

“I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead of me, I have to improve on things like my endurance and strength but I’m definitely ready for the next step.”

While looking to improve his own game, Daw has also been helping other hone their AFL skills through his role as a multicultural ambassador.

Students from the North Melbourne and Kensington Primary Schools recently participated in the Multicultural Schools State Cup and Daw was on the sidelines cheering them on.

“It’s great to see so many children here participating from a range of different cultural backgrounds and communities,” Daw said.

“I wasn’t exposed to footy until I was in my teens so it’s a really good head start for these kids to learn the game in primary school. Footy is such a good way to integrate and be a part of a team environment which is so important for refugees and migrants who move to Australia.”

The 21-year old spoke to the hundreds of kids at a packed Whitten Oval in Footscray about his experiences as the first Sudanese-born Australian to make it onto an AFL list and he believes there will be plenty more stories similar to his in the future.

“I think it’s encouraging to see so many young Sudanese kids here today because programs like this definitely help grow the sport among young people, especially those who weren’t born here.

“The journey onto an AFL list certainly isn’t easy but it’s an incredible opportunity and one that I’m really grateful for. Being a multicultural ambassador is just one way I can give back and help support these young kids.”