Reuben William's voice perks up when asked about Port Adelaide 200-gamer Aliir Aliir.
The former Brisbane Lions player is a fellow South Sudanese community member and grew up in Queensland, within 15 minutes of Aliir.
William calls him ‘Unc' underlining his status in the community, and labels him a trailblazer whose impact on the multicultural football community won't be known for a long time yet.
“He's a big brother role model, a trailblazer. We call him Unc,” William told Zero Hanger.
The three-game Brisbane Lion always thought the high-flying defender would make it to the big league.
He is one of eight current South Sudanese community members currently AFL-listed and the only one to be emblazoned with All Australian honours, which he got in 2021.
“That first All Australian blazer gave that vindication of what he means to a lot of people in and out of footy,” William said.
“It took a while for him to get settled but once he did at Port Adelaide, everyone can see the person and player he is and how ambitious he is outside of footy.
William's and Allir's journey have been strongly intertwined. After growing up around the corner from each other, Aliir made his debut against William's Brisbane side and William's last game as an AFL-listed player was in a NEAFL Grand Final against Aliir.
Aliir worked for AFL Queensland prior to reaching an AFL list where his paths crossed with William and William's work in the multicultural space more recently has again seen their world's collide given Allir's interest in growing participation.
“To see him get drafted was a huge inspiration to get drafted and seeing him do what he did was huge as it has been for everyone,” William added.
The milestone man has set the standard for his community of giving back.
In the last four years there has been a slight decline in South Sudanese representation at the highest level, with only Tew Jiath and the now delisted Luamon Lual drafted in that time.
“That's part of the reason Aliir is so passionate to get into this line of work because we are seeing a little drop off in numbers,” William said.
“All it takes is a bit of guidance and opportunity because they do have the attributes to translate so it is just a matter of giving them a pathway in footy.
“Basketball has made it a little bit difficult but as long as we're providing a pathway, that's the end goal.”
Aliir understands the role as a role model for the next generation and is keen to lean into it once his playing days are over.
Addressing media this week, he expressed optimism that he could play beyond his contract expiring at the end of next season having established himself as the main man in Port Adelaide's defence.
But the next step has been clear in his head for some time.
“I've had a little chat with the AFL in terms of what my life post football could be, and to be honest, (the multicultural space) is a big passion of mine,” Aliir said.
“Helping the younger multicultural kids that are coming through and trying to give them pathways that I didn't have when I was younger.
“So it's definitely something that I want to do. Whether it' starting an academy or a foundation or whatever the whatever it may be, it's something that I'm open to doing.”
Aliir is one of the most active members of a South Sudanese group chat William established several years ago and this week the congratulations are coming for him.
“He leaves a huge legacy,” William said.
“We talk about trailblazers and it's hard to describe it in the moment but when you think there's a five per cent chance to play 200 games – and how many come from a refugee camp? We'll look back in 20 years time and realise how amazing it is.”
On the field, Aliir plays exactly as his name translates in Dinka language: air.
His ability to get elevation and takes big marks is one of the reasons he is such an appealing player to watch not only for members of his community, but the wider footballing community.
“I always saw him as a really good player. I remember watching him play at Aspley and for the world team and he had a huge leap,” William recalled.
“He'd never lose a ruck contest and he'd use his jump to his advantage around the ground.”
