Exciting young North Melbourne big man Majak Daw almost certainly will have to wait until 2012 before making his AFL debut.

Daw, the league's first player of Sudanese descent, has been improving his form in the VFL but is still unlikely to come under senior selectors' notice in the short term.

Kangaroos' forward Drew Petrie said it would be unfair to ask Daw to make the step up too early in his development.

"He's improved a great deal," Petrie said.

"When he first came here, I can still remember his first few training sessions. He was very raw.

"But this year, we're seeing him do great things at (VFL club) Werribee. He's kicked some goals which is one thing ruckmen need to do."

Petrie said it is hoped Daw will play seniors "soon" but he still has work to do.

"He's still got a lot of improvement and needs to go a fair way before he gets that chance.

"He played (some pre-season) NAB Challenge games this year and was okay in those games so he's heading in the right direction," he said.

Petrie said it is "expecting a bit much" to see Daw play seniors this year.

"You don't want to throw a fellow in when he's not ready. I think that would probably be the wrong way to do things," he said.

"Majak's playing consistent footy at VFL level which is a great start and, once he can do that for a long period of time, then I reckon he's ready for the next step."

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