Aliir Aliir signs two-year contract extension at Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide has locked one of the key pillars of its premiership push, who says he’s “refreshed and re-energised” after confirming his future at the club.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Aliir Aliir of the Power celebrates during the 2023 AFL Round 13 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on June 9, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

All-Australian defender Aliir Aliir has signed a two-year contract extension at Alberton.

The 29-year-old has become a mainstay of the Port Adelaide backline since his trade from Sydney in 2020.

Transformed into full-time key defender by the Power, Aliir hit the ground running in South Australia and became an All-Australian in 2021.

He has become a Port favourite thanks to his intercept marking and acts such as denying former club Sydney a win in Round 4 last year with a touch on the line after the siren.

“Over the last three seasons, Aliir has proven to be an important asset to our defensive unit and our club as a whole,” Port list manager Jason Cripps said.

“He has speed, strength and is excellent at reading the play. Not only is he a great player, he’s someone a lot of our younger players look up to. He adds so much to the playing group, both as a footballer and as a person.”

Aliir Aliir has signed a contract extension at Port Adelaide. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Aliir was born in a Kenyan refugee camp and became the first player of South Sudanese heritage to be drafted to the AFL when he was selected by the Swans with the 44th pick in the 2013 Draft.

The East Fremantle product has played 133 games following his debut in 2016.

He said he was excited to sign a new contract at Alberton.

“I feel like I’ve played some of my best football at this club and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he said.

“The culture we have built here is something special and I’m excited to see where this group can go.

“I’m also loving working with a new-look backline and I’m feeling refreshed and energised for the year ahead.”

Originally published as Aliir Aliir signs two-year contract extension at Port Adelaide