With their second pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, the GIANTS selected key defender Leek Aleer.

The key details:

Drafted from: Central Districts, SANFL
State: South Australia
Height: 195cm
Weight: 81kg
Date of Birth: 21/08/01

Bio:

High-marking and extremely athletic, Aleer is a tall defender who has been a revelation at senior level this year after being switched to defence. Hampered by injury for two years, he has come through the grades at Central Districts from under-16s, under-18s and reserves to be play some exciting senior football this year and emerge as a NAB AFL Draft prospect. Born in Kenya to Sudanese parents, he has played 11 matches this year, averaging nine disposals and 4.4 marks, mostly interceptions. Still developing his overall game, he has a massive upside which he gave a glimpse of at the South Australian Draft Combine, breaking the all-time record for the running vertical jump with an amazing leap of 107cm.

What National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso says:

Leek is going to provide something unique to our backline with his rare athletic package. Finding a young key back who we can develop was something we prioritised, and Leek’s resilience and character give us confidence that he will give himself the best chance possible to nail a spot alongside Sam Taylor down the track. After suffering a major injury in 2019 he has built his way back to perform extremely well for Central Districts in the SANFL this year, however we see him as more of a long-term prospect than someone we will look to fast track into our backline.

Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Alliir Alliir