It was almost impossible to wipe the smile off the face of Aliir Aliir on Wednesday afternoon, following the news he would make his AFL debut on Sunday.
After plenty of hard work and patiently waiting for his opportunity, coach John Longmire delivered the exciting news in the weekly pre-training team meeting.
The young defender, who is into his third season on the Swans’ list, was so elated he could barely speak.
“I just froze and I couldn’t really believe it,” Aliir told SwansTV.
“I am really excited to go out and play this weekend and am ready to go now.”
After leaving the team meeting Aliir immediately began calling family, with his mum the first to share his joy.
Aliir’s family and friends are now eagerly preparing for a trip to the Gabba on Sunday.
The senior call-up follows the 21-year-old’s consistency at NEAFL level this season – and now he has the chance to show what he can do on the big stage.
“I have had to bide my time playing in the reserves and with the development group, as I did start (playing) the game a bit later,” Aliir said.
“It was the little things I had to learn after starting in the ruck as a kid then playing up forward a little.
“I think I have found my position down back, so now I am really excited to play.”
Aliir Aliir will be the fourth debutant for the Swans this season, following George Hewett, Callum Mills and Tom Papley.
