Majak Daw may be forced to sit on the sidelines while his team-mates return to the track, but the 22-year-old still has reason to smile.

The emerging star will be in attendance at the launch of North’s very own AFL 9s competition at Aegis Park on Tuesday night. While he’ll no doubt envy those taking the field, he can understand their excitement.  

“I can remember as a kid the anticipation when you know the footy season is getting closer and with North 9s you get to play footy before the season even starts. It’s every kid’s dream,” he told NMFC.com.au.

“The competition is a great initiative from the club and it would be great if people came down to show their support.”

Over 60 people have already registered for North 9s, which will continue right up until the beginning of the AFL’s NAB Challenge series.

There is no tackling or bumping in the game, with nine players per side and at least three females required on the field at all times.

“It’s a game that everyone can play. That’s the best thing about it,” Daw added.

Remarkably, it’s been over 28-years since premiership matches were last played at Aegis Park.  Ironically, on that day, now assistant coach Darren Crocker took the field for just his ninth game.

Now, football returns to the place where it all begun for North Melbourne.

Click here to register a team in the competition or contact Sean Dixon at sean.dixon@nmfc.com.au or (03) 9320 2443 for more information.

What: North 9s
Where: Aegis Park, 204- 206 Arden Street, North Melbourne
When: Tuesday nights – 6.20pm-8.30pm
Dates: Tuesday, November 12 - Tuesday, February 18