PORT ADELAIDE defender Aliir Aliir says the Multicultural Power Cup is an important opportunity to promote diversity, inclusion, and to bring young people together. 

Speaking to media at the Multicultural Power Cup on Friday, Aliir then mingled, snapped selfies and signed autographs with over 400 children at Alberton Oval, alongside Esava Ratugolea, Ivan Soldo and Willie Rioli.  

The key defender spoke on what the event means to him, taking on the Bulldogs on Saturday, and the structure of the backline. 

Aliir on the Multicultural Power Cup 
“Yeah, so we're here at the Multicultural Power Cup, which is one of those events that I love being a part of. Ultimately, it’s about inclusion, bringing different cultures together. I think today we've got over 400 students here. So, yeah, it's one of those events I really love coming to. I think the kids love us players showing up to it and just being able to mingle and chat to them.” 

Aliir on the importance of a role model for multicultural students 
“A hundred per cent (it’s important). I think for me, I've always said about it's not about getting them to be AFL footballers but if they can find some motivation out of just us coming and chatting to them then I think we're doing our job.” 

Aliir on the backline structure 
“Yeah, he (Brandon Zerk-Thatcher) played pretty well on the weekend, being able to shut down (Max) King and I think it's going to give him a lot of confidence going forward, just the way he was able to play. But I think in regards to playing the three talls, I felt like we've done it okay at times. I mean, obviously, the backline, we've had so many different changes in the different people coming in. I think for us, it's just being able to understand who's there, you know, who's going to fly and things like that, which naturally comes together. But yeah, I thought Brandon played terrific on the weekend.” 

Aliir on going up against the Bulldogs forwards 
“Yeah, we'll be able to match it. We're playing with two talls before. And so, I think you’ve got guys like Miles Bergman who can play tall or small. Lachie Jones can play tall or small. So there's a few players that can do the job. But I think it's not just relying on one person, I think what we were able to last week, we were able to help each other out, chop each other out in the air. 

“I don't really have a preference (who I play on). I mean, I've played on (Aaron) Naughton countless times. And the same with Jamarra (Ugle-Hagan). So yeah, to be honest, it's doesn't really matter who I take, I know, it's going to be a hard job. Because, you know, those two guys are playing very well and you give them a run to jump at it, that they can take mark of the year on you. And so it's just being aware of that and I’m going to rely on other guys being able to help me out too.” 

Aliir on Miles Bergman’s versatility  
“Yeah, 100 per cent, I think it's a good thing about having guys like Miles that can go on the wing and come back. You don't have to go through the game plan a whole lot as a backman, because he knows what it's like, and just the way he plays on the wing too, he does a lot of defensive run and helps us out. So yeah, he'll be able to do the job. I have full faith in him.” 

Aliir on adapting to working alongside new players 
“I think it's just probably just each individual just having the confidence to be able to play their natural game. I feel like when everyone's playing well, and playing their natural game, we play well as a back six. But I think, you know, obviously, we've had a few guys who are low on confidence, or who may think that they're not playing well. And guys that need to be at another level. So I don't think it's a worry, I think I think we can handle it. It's just about like going out there and playing with confidence and trusting the game plan that we have.” 

Aliir on being back at Adelaide Oval this week 
“I mean, for us, it's just going out there to win. I mean, obviously, the way we played against Brisbane was not ideal, and not the way he wanted to play, so I can understand from a fan’s point of view. But, you know, for us it’s just about being able to do the homework we need to do on the Doggies, and just going out there and performing. And I know, if we start well and play well, you know, the fans will jump on (and support us).” 

Aliir on backing up last week’s win 
“Yeah it's big. You know, we don't play football to lose or draw or anything like that, we want to win as many games as we can. So it's going to be a challenge on the weekend coming up against the Dogs, because obviously, they've got a great midfield and a great forward line so it's going to be a challenge, but I feel like it's a whole team thing. We’re not going to rely on one player to be a superstar and kick the game winner for us. You know, it might go down to the wire, but yet we've got full confidence that we can get it done.” 

Aliir on Jordon Sweet taking on his old club for the first time 
“It’s going to be a big (task), but probably he knows him (Bulldogs ruck Tim English) better than anyone else. So, you know, I think he's prepared very well. And, you know, I liked his game last week, I think he's growing a bit of confidence from that, and I think he can get the job done. I think he’ll rely on his midfielders to be able to help him out. Even Jeremy Finlayson going into the ruck to give him a chop out. Yeah, if anyone knows the Dogs more than anyone here, it'd be Jordon Sweet.” 

Aliir on stopping the Bulldogs midfield 
“Yeah, it’s a hard task in football because he’s (Marcus Bontempelli) been so consistent for years now and can sometimes go under the radar. I enjoy watching him play and you know, hopefully he doesn't go too well on the weekend but I think it's obviously going be a big task for our midfield but for us if you can get territory battles, then I think that allows us to be able to play on our front half footy that we love to play.”