New Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir has provided some insight into his surprise move out of Sydney in the 2020 trade period.
The Swans were forced to use Aliir in the ruck and up forward in 2020, as they dealt with ongoing injuries to everyone over 190cm tall on their list.
The 26-year-old said contract security was a big part of his decision as well as hoping to spend more time in defence with the Power.
“It sort of just came late in the season where management just told me ‘Port are keen on you and keen for you to ask for a trade’ and it was just a matter of chatting with Port and chatting to the Swans because I was still contracted there,” Aliir told SEN SA Breakfast.
“Port was willing to offer me longer term security and that was the big thing, but also being able to play in defence which is where I see myself playing my best football.
“I don’t mind going in the ruck or up forward every now and then, but I think I’ve played my best football in defence and I think that was another factor and just the (contract) security too.”
Aliir admits 2020 was a tough year for him on field, but won’t blame the positional shifting for his inability to find consistent form.
“Last year wasn’t the best year I had. I couldn’t really find form, even in defence I wasn’t able to find form,” he added.
“I’m not saying the change in position (was responsible for my form dip), in 2018 and 2019 I was able to play in the ruck and the back half. Last year I just couldn’t find any form.
“I’m not saying that’s the reason I didn’t play well and it was a real disappointment where I ended my year last year and the way I played all year
“I don’t think the change in position was the key factor for it. It probably didn’t help, but if I was playing down back and couldn’t string games together I’d go in the ruck again.”