Majak Daw is drawing closer to an inspirational return to the field for North Melbourne, with the defender likely to be back by the second half of the AFL season.
According to theย Herald Sun'sย Sam Edmund, Daw could be eyeing off a comeback for the Shinboners by as soon as after the club's Round 14 bye.
The return of the 28-year-old would be one of the most celebrated comebacks of the year, following Daw sustaining serious hip and pelvic fractures when he was found in the Yarra River in December last year.
Daw completed his first running session since the injuries in April, and has been making significant strides in his recovery progress.
North Melbourne physio Matt Turnbull was impressed with what the 50-gamer has been able to deliver so far.
โHeโs exceeded all our expectations and weโre extremely happy with what heโs been able to achieve in this time,โ he said.
โWe tend to see trends in different players around how they retain their muscle bulk, their flexibility and that sort of thing, but we were surprised at the speed of how he was able to retain those components."
Daw had a breakout 2018 season, playing 18 games as a key defender for the Kangaroos. He thrived in the role, with Champion Data ranking Daw as the 4th best key defender in the competition at the end of the 2018 season.
Daw penned a letter to North Melbourne fans in January, thanking them for their support.
โI have been blessed with a second chance at life," Daw said.
โMy attitude and outlook towards everything has improved.
โI hope to be back out there playing in the blue and white stripes soon."
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