Majak Daw’s fall from the Bolte Bridge has prompted an AFL call-to-arms on mental health from former star Wayne Schwass.

Daw is expected to undergo surgery later on Tuesday after the North Melbourne player fell from Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge into the Yarra River late on Monday night.

“Majak sustained very serious injuries to his hips and pelvic region,” North chairman Ben Buckley said.

He added the player is in a stable condition.

Buckley said the club is providing support to Daw, his family and fellow players.

“Our primary concern is, of course, his mental and physical health and wellbeing, and also the wellbeing of his family, friends, teammates, coaches and staff at the club,” Buckley said.

Daw’s plight prompted Schwass to call on the AFL to put more effort into the issue of mental health.

Schwass, a former North premiership player and now an AFL radio commentator, is one of the game’s most prominent mental health advocates.

The midfielder revealed in 2006 that he had suffered depression during his career.

“At what point will the AFL industry come together to begin to seriously address the issue of mental health?,” Schwass said on Twitter.

“Surely, that point is today, now.

“Fortunately the outcome of today’s event (sic) wasn’t more tragic. A very serious wake up call, our industry needs to get serious!”

https://twitter.com/WayneSchwass/status/1074821181339983873

In a series of tweets, Schwass said the league needed a proper approach to mental health.

Since joining the Kangaroos, Daw has become a key figure in the AFL and the local community.

As an AFL multicultural ambassador, he has spoken out against racism and is widely considered a role model for aspiring young footballers.

Having fled war-torn Sudan, Daw and his family moved to Australia in 2003.

He was selected by North Melbourne at the 2010 rookie draft and became the first Sudanese-born player to make an AFL debut when he played his first senior game against the Brisbane Lions in round four of the 2013 season.

The 195-centimetre utility struggled to establish himself as a regular player at the elite level until this year, when he enjoyed a breakout campaign.

Having played predominantly as a forward and a ruckman, coach Brad Scott switched him to defence where he flourished, making 18 senior appearances to reach his 50-game career milestone.

Readers seeking support and information can contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.