1. Aliir the pioneer
Aliir was the first player of Sudanese heritage selected in the NAB AFL National Draft – and the second to make an AFL list after North Melbourne's Majak Daw, who was an upgraded rookie in 2013 – when the Swans took a punt with pick 44 in the third round in 2013, their fourth selection overall that year. Zak Jones (pick 15), George Hewett (32), Toby Nankervis (35), Brandon Jack (80 – rookie promotion) and Dane Rampe (90 – rookie promotion) were the other players chosen by the Swans on that draft day, and all six players are still on the club's list, with Aliir the last to debut.
New Swan at the double: Aliir to debut
2. From Kenya to Queensland
Aliir spent six years in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya as a child after his parents had fled Sudan to escape a bloody civil war, a camp that housed around 150,000 men, women and children. The family then migrated to Australia where Aliir's uncle was living in Brisbane. It was here that the natural athlete discovered Australian Rules football and started playing for the Aspley Hornets in the QAFL. Aliir proudly represents his heritage as one of the AFL's official multicultural ambassadors.
3. Switching coasts and roles pays off
Aliir represented both Queensland and Western Australia in the state under 18's. He played for Queensland in the national titles in 2012 as a ruckman but was disappointed to be overlooked at the draft table later that year. Aliir then moved to Perth to be closer to his family, and a change of roles at WAFL club East Fremantle showed of his talents as a key defender. His switch to the backline saw him star for the Sharks and WA in 2013, and Swans recruiting guru Kinnear Beatson obviously liked what he saw.
4. Making his mark in the twos
Aliir had a consistent season in the NEAFL in 2015 after his debut year was cut short by shoulder surgery. The 21-year-old averaged 16 possessions a game and led the Swans reserves for marks last season, showing off his leap and strength overhead. His rapid improvement got him a new one-year deal with the club for this season, and coach John Longmire's confidence in the youngster was shown when he played on Lance Franklin in the Swans' first intra-club practice match in February.
Aliir competes with Lance Franklin at Henson Park in February. Picture: AFL Media
5. A different ball game
Aliir is a huge basketball fan and proudly dons the number 35 jersey of Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant while shooting hoops with fellow NBA nuts at the Swans, Tom Mitchell and Kurt Tippett. Aliir spent time with fellow Sudanese-Australian athlete Thon Maker last year, the 216cm centre who has nominated for the 2016 NBA Draft straight out of high school, and Maker's brother Matur, who is also expected to be a future NBA prospect.
