Leek Aleer (/lɛk/ LEK;[2] born 21 August 2001) is a professional Australian rules footballer. He was selected by the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the 2021 AFL draft. He previously played for the Central Districts Football Club in the SANFL and the Angle Vale Football Club in the Adelaide Plains Football League.[3] He was also born with his three sisters. One named Amanda the other Akello and the other named Kwamboka.
Leek Aleer | |||
---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||
Date of birth | [1] | 21 August 2001||
Place of birth | Nakodok, Kenya[1] | ||
Original team(s) | Central Districts Football Club (SANFL) | ||
Draft | No. 15, 2021 AFL draft | ||
Debut | Round 20, 2022 AFL season, Greater Western Sydney vs. Sydney, at Sydney Cricket Ground | ||
Height | 194 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||
Weight | 90 kg (198 lb) | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Club information | |||
Current club | Greater Western Sydney | ||
Number | 21 | ||
Playing career1 | |||
Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
2022– | Greater Western Sydney | 12 (1) | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 17, 2024. | |||
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com |
Aleer was born in Kenya[1] to South Sudanese parents[4] and came to Australia as a refugee when he was six years old.[5] After arriving, his uncles were big fans of the Adelaide Crows and encouraged him to pursue the game.[6]
Despite injury setbacks, Aleer broke the all-time record for the running vertical jump at the South Australian Draft Combine.[7][8]
AFL career
editAleer made his AFL debut for the Giants in round 20 of the 2022 AFL season, against the Swans.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Leek Aleer". gwsgiants.com.au. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "How to say the AFL's trickiest names". afl.com.au. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ SANFL Profile, accessed December 7, 2021
- ^ AFL: South Sudanese footballer Leek Aleer to make AFL debut after overcoming injury hurdles, doubters by Marc McGowan 28 July 2022
- ^ Cumming, Sarah (25 November 2021). "Mac Andrew and Leek Aleer make history in AFL national draft - ABC News". ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ Beveridge, Riley (4 November 2021). "From gruesome injury to Combine record: Leek Aleer's incredible story". afl.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ "Pick 2: Leek Aleer". gwsgiants.com.au. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ "2021 South Australian Combine wrap". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. 18 October 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ Garb, Daniel (28 July 2022). "'Pretty special': Emotional debutant ready to light up Sydney Derby". afl.com.au. Retrieved 31 July 2022.