ALL-AUSTRALIAN defender Aliir Aliir will remain at Port Adelaide until at least the end of 2026, penning a two-year extension with the club. 

Known for his intercept marking and one percenters, Aliir has become a mainstay of the Power’s backline since being traded from Sydney at the end of 2020. 

Playing 133 AFL games since his debut in 2016, Aliir has developed into a leader in defence since a breakout 2021 season when he earned All-Australian selection. 

“I’m excited to sign on with Port Adelaide for another two years,” Aliir said. 

“I feel like I’ve played some of my best football at this club and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. The culture we have built here is something special and I’m excited to see where this group can go. 

“I’m also loving working with a new-look backline and I’m feel refreshed and energised for the year ahead.” 

The athletic 195-centimetre key defender averaged 7.9 intercept possessions in 2023, ranking him inside the top 10 for the league. 

A fan-favourite, one of Aliir’s most memorable moments came in Round 4 last year, when he denied Sydney a match-winning goal with a touch on the line, demonstrating his tireless effort and never-give-in attitude. 

Born in a Kenyan refugee camp and later becoming the first player of South Sudanese heritage to be drafted to the AFL, Aliir’s story is one of resilience.  

Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps was pleased to lock the 29-year-old in for two more years. 

“Over the last three seasons, Aliir has proven to be an important asset to our defensive unit and our club as a whole,” Cripps said. 

“He has speed, strength and is excellent at reading the play. Not only is he a great player, he’s someone a lot of our younger players look up to. He adds so much to the playing group, both as a footballer and as a person.” 

Taken by Sydney at pick 44 in the 2013 AFL Draft from the East Fremantle Football Club, Aliir is now in his 11th AFL season.