North Melbourne key defender Majak Daw is another step closer to making a miraculous return to AFL football after producing an eye-catching display in Friday’s intra-club.

The 28-year-old hasn’t played a senior game since he broke his hips and pelvis when he fell off the Bolte Bridge 14 months ago.

But after a strong pre-season and an impressive performance at Arden Street on the eve of the Marsh Community Series, Daw could play his first game since Round 23, 2018 when the Kangaroos face St Kilda in Round 1.

Watch every match of the Marsh Community Series AFL pre-season comp LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Round 18

The Sudanese-born backman dominated young key forward Nick Larkey in the first half of Friday’s practice match, before spending most of the second half on new recruit Charlie Comben.

Daw has followed a modified program over the summer, training on Mondays and Fridays and has gradually increased his match simulation workload over the past month.

Majak Daw hasn’t played an AFL game since Round 23, 2018. Picture: Morgan Hancock Source: Getty Images

“He has just been building nicely the whole pre-season,” rebounding defender Jasper Pittard told reporters after the intra-club on Friday.

“It was really good to see him doing what we know he does best. It was good to see Majak get a few spoils in there today.

“So far, so good for him. He looks fit as he always does; he doesn’t have to try too hard like the rest of us.”

Jasper Pittard was full of praise for Majak Daw. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AAP

Josh Walker will give North another key-defensive option. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AAP

Former Brisbane and Geelong tall utility Josh Walker also played in defence and will give Rhyce Shaw and the match committee something to think about after a strong showing.

Two-time Syd Barker medallist Ben Cunnington spent plenty of time at full-forward in what could be a sign of things to come in 2020.

Ben Cunnington spent a lot of game time at full-forward. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AAP

Captain Jack Ziebell, star forward Ben Brown, 2018 recruit Jared Polec and Tarrant all missed the intra-club due to injuries.

Mason Wood – who has spent the summer training as a defender – hobbled off with an injury concern.

Jamie Macmillan tackles Aiden Bonar. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AAP

Father-son draftee Bailey Scott. Picture: Morgan Hancock Source: Getty Images