Resilient Giants defender Leek Aleer closing in on first AFL game since 2022

The Giants are considering throwing four-game defender Leek Aleer into one of the toughest challenges in footy against Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, writes LACHLAN McKIRDY.

Leek Aleer is closing in on an AFL return after more than 600 days. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Giants defender Leek Aleer is closing in on an AFL return after more than 600 days with Adam Kingsley singing his praises as the club looks to fill Sam Taylor’s enormous boots against Carlton on Saturday.

Taylor was taken to hospital in Canberra following a sickening head clash with St Kilda’s Jack Steele last weekend.

Considered one of the best key defenders in the competition, Taylor will miss the next two weeks through concussion protocols with Adam Kingsley confirming he will also be on the sidelines for next week’s Anzac Day match against Brisbane.

While many felt that veteran Nick Haynes would be Taylor’s obvious replacement, Kingsley stated that Aleer’s impressive start to the VFL season had put him into consideration.

Aleer has impressed in the early parts of 2024 and is firming for an AFL return. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“We feel like we’ve got some defensive options to come back in,” Kingsley said. “All of our boys have been in pretty good form in the VFL.

“Leek Aleer will certainly be in that, Nick Haynes will be in that discussion. I would imagine they’ll probably be the two that we talk most about to replace Sam.

“Leek is an up-and-coming player in the VFL, can certainly play on those bigger guys, he’s quite big himself … I imagine Leek would try and play on one of those bigger (Carlton) guys if it’s him.”

The 22-year-old played four games at the end of 2022 but missed the majority of last season through injury including a ruptured ligament in his toe. His return would add extra mobility to the Giants’ backline and Kingsley is satisfied he could play a role on either of Carlton’s key forwards Harry McKay or Charlie Curnow if needed.

Taylor will be out for at least the next two games with concussion. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s had great resilience, but his athleticism, his ability to defend really strongly and then turn that into attack, I think has been really strong,” Kingsley said.

“He didn’t play a game at all last year with a few different injuries, a big syndesmosis also kept him out for a while. So for him to fight his way back over the pre-season, and put himself in contention through some really good form at the VFL level, I’m really pleased for him.

“He’s a young player still, we know that he hasn’t played many games at all. If he does get selected then it’s gonna be an enormous challenge for him.”

Callan Ward is also set to return after making a successful comeback through the VFL last weekend. He finished with a game-high 33 disposals against Sandringham and will slot back into the midfield in place of Stephen Coniglio who will miss at least the next two weeks with a small MCL tear.

Originally published as Resilient Giants defender Leek Aleer closing in on first AFL game since 2022