North Melbourne AFL player Majak Daw has fronted court on three counts of rape over an alleged incident seven years ago.

Daw 23, is accused of raping the girl when he was aged 16 in 2007.

He arrived at court flanked by family and friends, and sat quietly throughout the brief Melbourne Magistrates Court filing hearing.

He will return to court to face a committal mention hearing on August 22.

Daw, the first Sudan-born player to reach the AFL, has played 12 games since joining the Kangaroos as a rookie in 2009.

The club say it will support him and still allow him to be available to play for the club’s AFL and VFL sides.

The AFL has backed the club’s decision, but have restricted Daw, who is one of the league’s multicultural ambassadors, from making promotional appearances.

The alleged incident occurred at Altona Meadows in 2007.