Aliir Aliir’s 2015 season by the numbers...
NEAFL
Games: 16
Goals: 2
Total Disposals: 256 (4th highest at the Swans)
- Kicks: 155
- Handballs: 101
- Marks: 86 (Highest at the Swans)
Avg. Disposals: 16
Disposal Efficiency: 80.9 (Best at the Swans)
Contested Possessions: 97
Contested Marks: 23
Development coach Marty Mattner says...
“Aliir had a slow start to the season as a result of an interrupted preseason. He probably didn’t come back in as good as shape as we would have liked. To his credit he worked really hard and got quite fit which resulted in him playing solid, consistent footy throughout the season. There were some highlights when Aliir would dominate opponents while rebounding and using the ball well out of defence. He needs to be doing that week in, week out to put his name up in front of the senior coaches. That’s going to be the challenge next season.”
Season highlight...
In what was a low light in the NEAFL Swans’ season, Aliir held his head high in the Round 20 clash against UWS Giants.
One of only 10 senior-listed Swans to play on that warm afternoon at Spotless Stadium, Aliir was adjudged best afield for the Swans in the hefty 80-point loss playing as the only experienced backman.
The key defender floated forward to kick the first goal of the game – a long bomb from 50m out on the angle – before trying to withstand repeat entries from the Giants’ attack.
The 21-year-old collected 14 disposals, four marks, three tackles and countless spoils to earmark him impressive second half of the season.
Aliir, who was rewarded with a one-year contract extension, took his football to another level this season to be considered among the Swans' best and most consistent at NEAFL level.
