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Promising young South Sudanese athlete wanted by police

A PROMISING young South Sudanese athlete, who is alleged to have swapped footy boots for crime, is wanted by police after failing to face court on charges relating to a home invasion.

The Victoria Police force

A PROMISING young South Sudanese athlete, who is alleged to have swapped footy boots for crime, is wanted by police after failing to face court this week on charges relating to a home invasion.

Majok “Sunday” Aneet, 25, and a co-accused are charged over a home invasion in Avondale Heights last February in which a man was badly beaten and a phone and laptop stolen.

The refugee, who fell in love with footy after moving to Melbourne from Queensland, became an elite junior playing in the TAC Cup for Western Jets and played reserves for the Werribee VFL squad before moving back north in 2013.

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Promising young athlete Majok Aneet. Picture: Victoria Police
Promising young athlete Majok Aneet. Picture: Victoria Police

In TAC videos and media interviews, Aneet told of his passion and determination to follow his AFL idols.

“My dream is to play in any AFL team, play footy,” he said in one 2012 interview.

“(After retirement) I want to be a teacher ... a PE teacher ... or work at a football club, coach one of the teams.

“I just love footy, that’s all.”

But it is understood he has since become estranged from some relatives and police allege he turned to crime.

Moreland CIU Detective Senior Constable Gary Van Maanen said Aneet could be with friends in the Sunshine, Footscray or Braybrook areas.

“If people are aware of his location it’s in his best interest, and their best interest, to contact police.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/promising-young-south-sudanese-athlete-wanted-by-police/news-story/adc57a0e5019a25da576baa6417aa286