As part of AFL’s Multicultural Round, Aliir was a special guest at AFL’s highly-successful multicultural program where he proved an inspiration for kids.

Born in a refugee camp in Kenya. Aliir’s family fled civil wars in Africa and moved to Brisbane when he was seven.

He used his visit to Wagga to explain to the multicultural community that anything is possible.

“My job is pretty much to try to get all the other multicultural kids up to AFL level if they want to,” Aliir said.

“Anything’s possible, just because you grew up in a different country and don’t know the game, it doesn’t mean you can’t play the game of AFL.”

As Aliir interacted with Wagga kids, it was clear how much they got out of the visit.

“I thought it would be good to come and see everyone here, there are a lot of multicultural kids around here so it’s just to come here, have a kick with them and have a chat with them and if they don’t know the game, teach them a little bit about the game pretty much,” Aliir explained.

Aliir initially progressed through the ranks courtesy of similar programs to one he attended in Wagga.

He was eventually drafted by the Swans with pick 44 in the 2013 AFL Draft.

Aliir said the AFL community has embraced he and his background from the outset.

“It’s been terrific,” he said.

“Coming here, the only sport I knew was soccer.

“They’ve definitely embraced me.”