Former North Melbourne player Majak Daw called time on his storied AFL career on Monday. While he was a strong contributor to the Kangaroos over his near decade at the club, his impact on the game goes far beyond the field of play.

Drafted with the ninth selection of the 2009 rookie draft, Daw became the first Sudanese player to be selected by an AFL club. In 2013, he became the first Sudanese player to play at AFL level.

He's been a trailblazer for athletes all around the country, and the likes of Socceroo Thomas Deng have joined the chorus of well-wishers upon the retirement announcement.

There have been few footballing careers that have been truncated with the highs and lows that Daw's has. As the target of a number of instances of racial abuse in his career, he's long stood for education and reform surrounding racial vilification in Australian society.

After extensive rehabilitation from serious injuries, he returned through the VFL against Sandringham before kicking an emotional goal on his senior return against Adelaide in the 2020 season. His determination to return to the game from such dire personal circumstances is a testament to the desire and drive the human spirit can possess.

The impact Daw has had on AFL football and the wider Australian sporting community goes far, far beyond his 54 games, 43 goals or 2016 Mark of the Year award. He's a mental health advocate, an anti-racism icon, a footballing hero and an honest and true Shinboner.

He can reflect on a brilliant career with immense pride for not just what he's achieved on the field, but all the positive things he's stood for off of it. 

Regardless of the colours he retired in, 'Maj' has been royal blue and white for over a decade, and he's a shining example of a number of attributes that are so close to the Shinboner spirit.

Congratulations on a brilliant career, Majak, and enjoy what's next.