Aspley Hornets’ Aliir Aliir is the latest Queenslander to receive an invitation from the AFL to attend the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October.
Aliir is a super athletic ruckman that has elite jumping ability that allows him to leap over opponents.
Born in Kenya of Sudanese heritage, Aliir’s rise to the top has been rapid. He played with the NAB AFL Under 16 World Team in 2010 & 2011, and then went on to become a pivotal player for Queensland in the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
He also has the ability to play up forward as well as in defence, possesses very strong hands over head and is clean and agile at ground level.
Aliir played two games with the Brisbane Lions Academy kicking two goals in each.
The NAB AFL Draft Combine, involving 114 players at National Level, will be held at Etihad Stadium from October 2-5, with state Draft Combines to be held in Melbourne (October 6), Adelaide (October 13) and Perth (October 14).
The Ruckmen group comprises 17 players who play predominantly ruck and key forward roles and includes two All-Australian in Joe Daniher and Brodie Grundy from the NAB AFL Under-18 and three players who are members or graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy.
“In the 26 year history of the AFL Draft, ruckmen have proven to be the most popular choice in being selected number one with six ruckman having that honour, including Jeff White (Fremantle 1994), Michael Gardiner (West Coast Eagles 1996 ), Josh Fraser (Collingwood 1999) and Matthew Kruezer (Carlton 2007)” said AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.
In all, over 220 players have been invited to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combines.
