North Melbourne footballer Majak Daw has been found not guilty of rape.

The jury handed down its verdict almost 24 hours after retiring to deliberate.

Daw, 24, pleaded not guilty, saying there was no sexual intercourse and that any sexual activity was consensual.

The relieved 24-year-old wiped tears from his face and hugged crying relatives after the verdict was delivered.

‘It’s been a tough time; if I can get through this I can get through anything,’ Daw told media outside court.

Majak Daw leaving court after being found not guilty of rape – his dad yells ‘hallelujah’ @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/LCwqh5bHId

? Ashleigh Brown (@AshBrown_) December 3, 2015