Sudanese-born draft hopeful Aliir Aliir. Picture: Mark Calleja. Source: The Courier-Mail
WHEN Aliir Aliir needs to dig deep, he thinks of his family.
From the moment the 18-year-old saw his first speccie three years ago, the spring-heeled ruckman has been hooked on footy.
But being drafted tonight would not only grant his sporting wish. A chance in the AFL could re-unite - and help support - his mother, brothers and cousins.
Born in a Kenyan refugee camp, Aliir's family fled war-torn Sudan for a new life in Australia in 2003.
But recently they have spread around the country.
"We are separated," Aliir said.
"That's why I keep saying to myself, `If only I can do something and make it to pro football I will be able to help my family out and re-unite them and bring them together so they can live as one.
"It motivates me, makes me want to do the extra kilometre, the extra work."
The 194cm excitement machine jumps like he has springs in his legs and follows up at ground level, barging through clusters of players, like he has watched West Coast powerhouse Nic Naitanui all his life.
Although still raw, Aspley football manager Mark Perkins is convinced Aliir can progress to AFL ranks.
"It's blown me away how good his tap work has become," Perkins said.
"He's definitely got a Nic Naitanui-type quality."
If only I can make it to pro football I will be able to help my family out and re-unite them
At the national under-18 championships, he represented Queensland only three years after he first took the game up.
The Aspley community, led by the club and with AFL help, has rallied around Aliir, helping provide employment and accommodation for him.
He knows he has much to learn, but the last round of the NEAFL provided another step forward, when he was nominated for the Rising Star award.
"It was the best game I've ever had, I think I got like 20 hitouts and 18 or 20 possessions and a few tackles," he said.
Like so many others, Aliir is hoping his name is called out at tonight's national draft, or if not, next month in the rookie draft.
It would fulfil a prediction from Aliir's father, Mayom, that his boy would play professional sport.
"Dad was always telling mum, `You know, my son is going to grow up to play sport, because he is always running around with a soccer ball or basketball'," he said.
"My dad passed away when I was young and it's sad him not being here to show what I can do - about what he believed in - that I was meant to play sport."
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