Brad Scott has high hopes Majak Daw can become an important part of North Melbourne's forward line, but is unsure whether 2014 will be the year the AFL's first Sudanese-born player cements a senior spot.

 

After three seasons on North's rookie list, Daw finally made his AFL debut last year, dazzling footy fans with his spectacular athleticism in a six-game cameo highlighted by a six-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs in round seven.

 

However, Daw was substituted from five of those matches (one with concussion), with his fitness a work in progress.

Daw's 2014 preparation has been interrupted as he recovers from the posterior cruciate ligament surgery that prematurely ended his 2013 season.

 

The 22-year-old is close to returning to full training and could play in next month's NAB Challenge.

 

But Scott told AFL.com.au Daw's development had been stalled by his inability to take part in skills and game-based training this pre-season.

 

"The first thing for Majak Daw is to get back out and playing. He played under duress last year … but [his PCL] is now really stable, he's running really well," Scott said.

 

"Physically he looks fantastic as everyone knows, but I think in terms of what he's going to do (this season) it's really hard to say.

 

"But in saying that I have really high hopes for where he can get to. He can do things that others simply can't.

 

"But we've got a lot of work to do with him and it's been frustrating that he hasn't been able to train during the pre-season because that's the time that we use to work with him."

 

Scott said he could not fault Daw's dedicated approach to his rehabilitation this summer.

 

"I just can't wait to get out there and coach him," he said.