Sydney Swans defender Aliir Aliir says the club’s new-look backline is ‘gelling’ on the road to the 2020 campaign.
Last year saw defenders Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy and Nick Smith all call time on stellar careers, before fellow backman Zak Jones departed Sydney for St Kilda in October’s trade period.
It means co-captain and 159-match star Dane Rampe is now Sydney’s most experienced defender, while names like Colin O’Riordan, Jackson Thurlow and Ryley Stoddart will all be pushing for more games at the top level this year.
Aliir is confident in the shape of the evolving defence.
“We’re building really well,” Aliir told SwansTV.
“Everyone’s had to stand up with their leadership because we’ve lost Reg (Grundy), Macca (McVeigh), Smooch (Smith) and the like. The younger guys are having to step up and they’re doing just that.
“We’re all gelling as a defensive unit and hopefully we can take that into games.”
A new Swan eyeing more AFL game time this year is key defender Kaiden Brand, who swapped Hawthorn colours for red and white via last year’s delisted free-agency period.
The 25-year-old managed just five senior games in season 2019 and is now competing with names like Rampe, Aliir and Lewis Melican for a spot in Sydney’s defence.
John Blakey has taken control of the team’s backline after filling a host of roles on the club’s coaching panel since arriving in 2006.
His change of roles has seen former defence coach Tadhg Kennelly take charge of the club’s midfield department alongside incoming assistant coach Jarrad McVeigh.
Aliir is loving learning off Blakey.
“It’s been really good working with Johnny,” Aliir said.
“I had him as backline coach over my first two years and it’s good to have him back. He’s really relaxed and he’s really chilled. I’m really looking forward to him coaching me again so it should be really exciting.”
Although Aliir is primarily a key defender, the 50-game Swan has plugged holes in the ruck and forward line in the past.
With fit-again ruckmen Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair expected to jostle for the chief ruck role this year, Aliir’s time in the midfield is likely to be limited, but the 25-year-old is continuing to hone all facets of his game.
“I work on my craft down back and I’m always working on my rucking just in case I get the call-up,” Aliir said.
“I am a utility and I’m happy with wherever the coach wants me to play. Hopefully I’m more down back this year but I’m working on all areas of my game.”
