In his role at The Huddle, Majak Daw often spends time mentoring kids from a variety of cultural backgrounds who now reside in the local North Melbourne area, but thousands of kilometres away, many youngsters are now in awe of the developing ruckman.
A group of teenage boys, settling into Australia from a range of African nations developed a love for the game and formed the African Boys Leadership Academy. With Daw their role model, they sent him a jumper in the hope he might sign it.
Daw obliged, sending it back with his prized autograph and some added words of encouragement. The jumper has now become a keepsake and a motivational tool for the group.
With so much talent in the group, Daw believes more African-born athletes will be on AFL lists soon.
"It's a pretty exciting prospect, me sitting back at North Melbourne and thinking there'll be other kids like me, joining me hopefully in the future," Daw told the ABC's 7:30 Report.
And much like Daw, the Academy, in conjunction with AFL Northern Territory, is using our local game as a way of welcoming and integrating new arrivals.
"When I first came to Australia I had a few struggles trying to learn English as well as trying to fit into the community. I saw AFL as a vehicle to integrate into the community," Daw added.
To thank him for his support, the Academy boys sent Daw one of their special jumpers personalised with the number 38 on the back. Daw said he'll display it proudly in his new house and is a great reminder of how powerful Aussie Rules can be.
