Andy Maher has an update on the Aliir Aliir situation, saying Sydney has no plans to part ways with him and are even considering making a move for West Coast’s Tom Hickey to satisfy his concerns.
Port Adelaide has reportedly offered Aliir a contract for 2021, with the promise of more time in defence and less time playing in the ruck.
Maher revealed some more detail on the unfolding situation and confirmed to temper Aliir’s concerns about playing in the ruck, the Swans are looking at the possibility of recruiting Hickey, who played just three games for West Coast this year.
“It’s come to my attention that Aliir doesn’t want to leave Sydney and Sydney doesn’t want him to go,” he said on SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“But there was an offer made to him by Port Adelaide – he wants to play in defence and preferably centre half back. Sydney was forced to use him in the ruck this year because their ruck stocks are low.
“Sydney went ‘we’ll think about it if Peter Ladhams is on the table’ and Port Adelaide said 'no'.
“Such is the affection between Aliir and Sydney, rather than fear losing him because of fears he’s being played out of position, the Swans have zeroed in on a ruckman who would at his fourth club if he was to make the journey from the west.
“That name is Tom Hickey, that’s the name I believe has been mentioned. Just keep an eye on that space.”
The Swans are currently in the market for a ruckman, after struggling through a 2020 season with just Callum Sinclair, Sam Naismith and Michael Knoll on the senior list.
Knoll has since been delisted.