Majak Daw says he still has a "massive" role to play in 2016, despite being omitted from the side last week.

Daw kicked two goals and had 14 disposals against Essendon a fortnight ago, showing plenty of positive signs alongside Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and Drew Petrie.

"Initially I was pretty disappointed at not maintaining my spot in the side, but I think the strength of the club this year is anyone can come in (and) do a job for the team,” Daw said at the AFL’s Africa Day celebration on Tuesday.

"It came back to team structure because we played pretty tall against Essendon and that wasn't sustainable.

"I still think I'll come back in the side and I've got a massive role in the team to play."

Daw said his focus was on getting a sustained running in the Roos’ side as the year goes on.

"Jarrad Waite, in particular, and Todd Goldstein – an All Australian ruckman – they've just been consistent over the years, so it's a massive challenge for me to try and get back in the side," he said.

"Most people haven't really seen me play at a consistent level in the AFL, so if I keep improving that will take care of itself."

Part of that improvement for Daw is adding more strings to his bow.

The ruck-forward has regularly spent time through the midfield at Werribee this season, and will look to emulate that at the highest level.

"(Mark) Blicavs (Geelong) is playing that role and he plays it really well, so I watch some of his games really closely and how he goes about it," Daw added.

"In that Essendon game I went through the midfield, and it's a role I'm developing.

"The challenge for me is how quickly I can get my head around being a midfielder and playing the other two positions as well.

"I'm continually working on my aerobic fitness and I've got it to a pretty comfortable place at the moment.

"But you can always improve."

Daw dances to the African Star Dance & Drumming group at the AFL's Africa Day.