Greater Western Sydney defender Leek Aleer contract: Will Giant leave at season’s end?

Leek Aleer’s latest speccie has thrust the GWS defender’s future back into the limelight as St Kilda continues to come calling for the prodigious talent while he’s stuck in the VFL. Will he leave?

It could be the multimillion-dollar mark that opens cheque books across the country and confirms Leek Aleer as the most in-demand, off-contract defender in the AFL.

Over the years, lucrative prizes for the Mark of the Year have included cars, pie warmers and lump sums of cash. But in the quiet, rainy surrounds of Blacktown International Sportspark last Saturday, Aleer took a mark that might have surpassed them all in both height and value.

The 23-year-old Giant launched early in the first quarter, placed both his feet in the back of Williamstown ruckman Lucas Impey, who himself stands at 200 cm, and held on to a grab for the ages.

“I’m pretty happy with that, I’ve been wanting one for a while,” Aleer told Giants media after the match. “Hopefully (I’ll) continue the good form and maybe take a couple more.”

It’s not the first time that Aleer’s high-flying ability has caught the headlines. His match-winning heroics in GWS’ win in Geelong last season gained him a cult following. However, his latest effort against the Seagulls again raises questions about his future.

St Kilda have long been the most interested party in trying to lure Aleer away from GWS with the promise of first-team football. He reportedly turned down a six-year deal worth $800,000 a season to stay at the Giants, signing a two-year extension at the end of 2022.

During his brief glimpses in the AFL, Aleer has already shown off his aerial ability. Picture: Phil Hillyard

But in the two and a half years since, the Giants’ potential defensive superstar remains waiting in the wings having only played eight additional AFL games.

Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun and Harry Himmelberg have cemented themselves as a formidable backline combination that Aleer can’t quite crack. That has left him playing regularly in the VFL instead of on the biggest stages.

That hasn’t stopped the Saints’ interest. With a big war chest at their disposal, St Kilda is believed to be willing to offer Aleer up to $900,000 a year to move to Moorabbin.

In the past month, the Giants have proven they’ve been able to hang onto players commanding more money elsewhere. Most notably, young midfielder Finn Callaghan reportedly turned down the Saints’ advances and a deal worth over $1.7 million a season.

For a player like Aleer, who hasn’t yet become a consistent star in the AFL, it’s eye-watering money that the Giants just won’t be able to match.

‘I ENJOY THE GIANTS’

If Aleer could write his own future, he would be staying at the Giants for as long as possible.

“The culture here is amazing, the boys are very tight,” Aleer told this masthead before the season. “It’s something I enjoy being a part of the Giants, and I hope that continues.”

But there’s also an acceptance that he hasn’t made the most of his AFL opportunities when he’s had them. The feedback has always been that he needs to be more consistent, and Aleer knows he can’t get ahead by just taking hangers.

The 23-year-old flew high against Williamstown in the VFL to take the grab. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

“I just want to play as many games as I possibly can and really put my best foot forward,” Aleer said.

“I think the more games I get under my belt, the better I’ll feel, the more development I’ll get and the more confident I’ll become with my ability and playing at a high level.

“I look back on last year quite positively. In comparison to previous years, eight games was good for me. Whether it was AFL or VFL, I was really hungry to show myself to the league and then to coaches and players, and get a little bit of that respect.

“But this year is a bit different mentally. I want to go out and play at a high level consistently.”

Aleer wants to earn his place in the Giants’ defence – a team that is regularly in premiership contention. But there is also the question of whether he can truly develop if he doesn’t get consistent senior opportunities.

That’s why his next move is so important. Turning 24 later this year, the former first-round draft pick is well and truly entering his prime. And whether the move is St Kilda, another AFL rival or staying at the Giants, it’s clear that his talent dictates he shouldn’t be languishing in the VFL for much longer.

Aleer loves the Giants culture but is becoming more aware his future may be elsewhere if he can’t get into the AFL side. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I love playing footy,” Aleer said. “As athletes, we want to be the best … you want to be well-regarded among your peers. For me, that’s a driving motivator. I want to be respected.

“If I can play consistently and continue to build on my game and show those strong attributes, then I’ll look back at this year fondly. I want to be someone my teammates and my coaches can count on. And then, all the other things will come.

“I’ve always had high aspirations, and being able to play AFL footy was a big dream of mine. It’s always been a part of my character to dream high. I’m extremely competitive and want to be one of the best among my teammates, because the Giants are a very well-renowned team. I’m very motivated to strive for the mount.

“Obviously, I have attributes that I think are perfect for the game. Being able to show those on a weekly basis, consistently, will be a big step in the right direction. If I can continue to do that … then there’s no reason as to why I can’t crack in (to the backline).”

Originally published as Greater Western Sydney defender Leek Aleer contract: Will Giant leave at season’s end?