The Tigers – although the Kangaroos and the AFL have a larger say in the matter – have allowed Daw to play with their VFL team, if his form permits, despite the serious allegations, which Daw denies.

An initial filing hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Daw was cleared by the AFL to continue playing despite the charges, and the 23-year-old was also keen to continue playing despite being offered counselling services through the club.

The decision, however, has not prevented anger from women’s groups and even Derryn Hinch, who tweeted on Tuesday: “Policeman or teacher charged with rape would be suspended. Not footy. ‘Nth Melb supports Majak Daw and he remains available for selection.' ”

In the most recent cases, ex-Saint Stephen Milne stood down for three weeks after he was charged with rape. Collingwood defender Marley Williams, after being charged with grievous bodily harm earlier this year, made himself ineligible to play at either VFL or AFL level until the court hearing in April – in which he escaped an immediate jail term.

There were fears that the crowd may have turned on Daw on Saturday, but instead they were full of encouragement – and some labelled him a "hero" after a goal to put Werribee in front.

Daw has been racially abused on at least three occasions in the VFL and AFL but officials said they were pleased with the crowd's behaviour on Saturday.

His teammates also got around him after the match, as he signed some Kangaroos fans’ jumpers.

Daw, from Wyndham Vale, just minutes away from Avalon Airport Oval, was the most influential player on the ground in the final term, with two final-quarter goals, to finish with three for the match.

The Sudanese key-position prospect and ruckman had 13 disposals, nine tackles and 13 hitouts but his stats did not do his prowess on the field any justice.

From the opening bounce of the final term he split the pack and created a spillage that resulted in a Werribee goal to kick-start the Tigers' incredible comeback win by 22-points over North Ballarat, the Kangaroos' other part-time affiliate.

“He played well, we used him in the ruck into the breeze ... and then forward with the wind," Werribee coach John Lamont said. "He took some big marks, forced the opposition to spoil, created front and centre opportunities for our players, he got onto the scoreboard himself. It was a pleasing game.

“And against Geelong two weeks ago he was nearly the difference between winning and losing as that key forward and that presence forward. There’s going to be a couple of the North Ballarat players pretty sore from sitting in Majak’s face and that’s what you want. You want your tall players to be aggressive and he was.”

Daw’s encouraging form will put him in the mix for a recall against St Kilda next week.

“He’s played well again today," Lamont said. "Last week against Coburg in the wet didn’t suit him. He still competed well and he’s played well again today. It’s a credit to him."

North midfielder Brad McKenzie also pushed for a senior recall after starring for the Roosters with 28 touches.

Meanwhile, St Kilda veteran Sam Fisher has breathed a sigh of relief after finally getting through a VFL match unscathed, after suffering back spasms and hamstring complaints in recent comebacks.

Fisher, who has not played an AFL match since round 10 last season, has emerged as a chance to play against North Melbourne next week after being among Sandringham’s best on Saturday.

It was bad news, however, for young Saint Arryn Siposs, who suffered an arm injury in the first half. Beau Maister also came off the ground with a hand injury in the second term.

Hawthorn’s Ben McEvoy had a strong battle against Essendon’s Tom Bellchambers but was a top performer for Box Hill, along with Luke Lowden, who kicked four goals.

The Hawks have several players pushing for a senior recall before their clash against Adelaide next week, with Derick Wanganeen, Kyle Cheney, Alex Woodward, Will Langford and Jonathan Simpkin all named among Box Hill’s best in its three-point loss against Essendon.