ONE OF the AFL's great stayers is hoping a switch of numbers will turn around his injury fortunes.

North Melbourne colossus Majak Daw has handed in his former No.38 and will revive the No.1 next year, ending the jumper's two-season hiatus at Arden St. 

Daw, 26, has played 32 games in eight seasons at the Kangaroos and never more than nine in any one year, in part because of a wide array of injuries.

Fellow ruckman Daniel Currie was the last to don Daw's new number on his back in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, playing four games in it for three goals.

"Maybe it's the change I need," Daw told NMFC.com.au.

"Changing my number was the last thing on my mind, but I asked the club to give me a couple of days to think about it.

"I'll be on the other side of the locker room now – I'm excited about it."

Former North and Geelong big man Hamish McIntosh (106) is the only player at the club to rack up triple-figure matches in the No.1 out of the past 12 wearers.

Bernie McCarthy's 148 games are the most at the Roos in the number, with John Lewis donning it 103 times and booting 117 goals in the 1930s.

Les Foote, Kevin Dynon, Gary Cowton, Peter Keenan and Jose Romero also wore the No.1 with distinction.

"A lot of key forwards and ruckmen have worn that number at North and I guess I really fit that mould," Daw said. 

"Maybe I will feel a bit lighter in the No.1."

Daw is contracted at North Melbourne through the 2019 season, but faces significant competition for a spot against fellow ruckmen Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss.

He is likely to join the main training group in December after minor post-season ankle surgery. 

"There is pressure on me to start performing, being consistent, playing more games and having more of an impact, but that's not a bad thing," Daw said.

"A little bit of pressure can hopefully make me improve and compete with that ruck-forward position with Goldy and Preussy."