NORTH Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw has many labels: role model, ambassador, refugee, pioneer.
But he sees it more simply. "At the end of the day I'm just a footballer."
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Herald Sun Daw tells how a club-imposed suspension made him a better person and how he's slowly coming to terms with his place in the game.
Daw, 22, admits he struggled with being a role model when he became the first Sudanese-born player in the AFL this April.
"It didn't sit well with me at the beginning, but I understand now this is how it is," he said.
"A lot of young African youth and young people look up to me and I have to hold my end of the bargain up and keep a level head."
Daw is recognised almost everywhere he goes in Melbourne. "I'm quite a shy person by nature, but I guess it's a part of what I do. Being a footballer, you get recognised," he said. "You have just got to deal with it."
Daw's large family help keep him grounded.
He is one of nine children, with siblings who range in age from seven to 27.
"I think with all the hype and stuff it's great to go back to Mum and Dad's house. They always have good advice for me," he said.
"If I have any issues I'm dealing with I always come back to those guys. Family is No.1 for me."
Daw's career has come a long way. He copped a club-imposed suspension in February last year for fibbing about being out on the town when he should have been home doing injury rehab.
He believes that incident forced him to mature and the suspension was necessary.
"I think sometimes that can be good for you. I've worked pretty hard since then to get where I am and I've still got a long way to go."
And after sending hearts aflutter in May when the Herald Sun published a picture of him at a beach recovery session, Daw reveals he's single.
He will be a racing ambassador for Swisse at this year's Spring Carnival, and says: "I've just got to concentrate on my football for now."