But his emergence as a potential AFL star could pitch him into the middle of another battle between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, who are both keeping a close eye on his development in the run-up to this year's draft.
The 17-year-old is starring for the Queensland Scorpions in the under-18 national championships and is the first Sudanese to play in this competition.
He was a standout in the Scorpions' upset victory over Western Australia and was among the best again in yesterday's seven-point loss to Tasmania.
He has also broken into the NEAFL seniors for Aspley.
The 190cm ruckman-forward has impressed scouts from both clubs with his leap, speed and clean hands. Suns list manager Scott Clayton said although Aliir was well undersized for an AFL ruckman, it didn't hinder him one bit at centre bounces.
"He just jumps over them, he has an incredible leap," he said.
Aliir was born in a refugee camp in Kenya after his mother Zainab fled war-torn Sudan in a bid to find a better life and arrived here in 2002.
Last Modified on 25/06/2012 11:08