From the first time Aspley football manager Mark Perkins saw Aliir Aliir play, he knew there was something remarkable about him.
The Round 21 NEAFL Northern Rising Star nominee, who will be travelling to the national AFL draft combine later this year, was playing for the Under-16s at the time and Perkins was struck immediately by his talent.
“I remember seeing him for the first time and thinking,’ Oh my goodness, this guy’s ability to play in the ruck at under-16 div 3 level was pretty exceptional,” Perkins said.
“He’s always had that talent there that we could notice it was just a matter of how far it blossomed and whether he could grasp the game as well as he has.”
Preparing for a shot at an AFL guernsey is a far cry from where Aliir started his life, born in a Kenyan refugee camp after his mother fled war-torn Sudan.
With his family relocating to West Australia earlier this year, Aliir was faced with a tough choice before the season started, but Perkins said he had dealt with the challenge remarkably well.
“He was planning to go back with them and we sort of sat down with him and convinced him to stay for the state carnival. So, he stayed here on his own pretty much and let his family go back to WA, which was obviously difficult for him,“ Perkins said.
“As most families are, they’re very close, so I think he found it difficult but…as soon as the carnival was over he went back over and visited. There’s no doubt it’s had its moments for him and it hasn’t been easy but I think he’s coped pretty well considering.”
Believed to be the first Sudanese person to play in the NEAFL when he debuted earlier this year, Aliir’s improvement has impressed senior coach Russell Evans, culminating in his best game for the Hornets in their 24.16.160-15.13.103 win over Morningside last weekend.
“On the weekend, he was much more competitive in the ruck and his recovery work his second efforts were fantastic around the fence,” Evans said.
“He’s the sort of boy who not only captures the ball but sometimes gets it back himself. His athleticism has been terrific.”
A naturally reserved person, Aliir lets most of his talking happen on the field but Evans said the teen’s confidence had lifted this season.
“He’s got a terrific nature, the players know he’s got relationship with the players. He’s got a terrific temperament, so from all that perspective he fits in really well.
“He’s come out of his shell a bit recently, he was quite shy at the start (of the year).”
Playing for the Hornets and the Queensland Under-18 Scorpions this year, Aliir has made his mark as a ruckman but Evans said at 190cm, he would likely fill a different role at an AFL club.
“Certainly, in our competition he could keep rucking but if he’s lucky enough to get an opportunity at the next level then they’re probably going to look at his size and how best they can use his athleticism.”
If he doesn’t manage to get picked up, Perkins said the Hornets would be glad to have him in their ranks for as long as he is in Queensland.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he could fill a role for us in that (ruck) department at NEAFL level for many years to come, if that’s what he chooses.”
Last Modified on 24/08/2012 08:27