Majak Daw has officially been named as the club’s nominated rookie for 2016.

North coach Brad Scott originally earmarked the ruckman’s elevation in January, announcing he’d be available to “back ‘Goldy’ (Todd Goldstein) up”.

The 25-year-old has played in two NAB Challenge games, rucking alongside Braydon Preuss (NAB 1) and Goldstein (NAB 2) before sitting out Saturday night’s loss to Hawthorn.

“We’ve seen what he can do in small spurts, but the ability to get a pre-season together will help him be able to more consistent in games,” assistant coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.

“I thought he had a good year last year in the VFL and his pre-season work this year’s been pretty strong.”

Drummond said the removal of the sub rule could provide further opportunity for the 195cm big man.

“It just gives us more flexibility as to how we pick the team and which way we go, so obviously it’s going to be new and every team will attack it in a different way.

“But we know Maj can play forward ... he’s an effective forward, but he’s also learning his ruck caper and shown some good signs early on.”

Daw has played 16 senior matches since joining North as a rookie in 2009, but will be hoping to build on his 2015 tally of two games.

“It’s been an exciting pre-season for him. It’s great to see him out on the track – it’s full steam ahead,” Drummond added.