Giants younger gun embracing new position in AFL finals chase

A switch to ruck may be just what young gun Leek Aleer needs to crack into Adam Kingsley’s best GWS side.

Only two games into life in the centre square, Giants key defender Aleer is embracing the change ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

Senior ruckman Kieren Briggs returns to the side after youngster Nick Madden suffered a knee injury, with GWS out for back-to-back wins for the first time this season after a 3-4 start.

The Suns (4-3) will be without big man Jarrod Witts (managed) and Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell (ankle), with fellow midfielder Zeke Uwland also rested among five changes.

First-year Giant Ollie Hannaford makes way for defender Joe Fonti, who returns after serving a one-match suspension.

Aleer impressed as a back-up ruck to Madden and kicked a goal while managing 12 hitouts against North Melbourne big man Tristan Xerri to help GWS to a hard-earned seven-point win.

Let down by a failed trade to St Kilda last year, the 24-year-old’s start to the season had been further derailed by a groin injury.

Aleer was pursued by the Saints for well over a year before the club backflipped on their plans for a trade deal.

The athletic tall had wanted a move to Victoria after struggling to crack into a stacked Giants backline, which boasts the likes of injured Sam Taylor (hamstring) and Jack Buckley.

Before this year, he played just 25 games across four seasons since making his debut in 2022.

“I’m just very grateful, honestly, to be able to just play games and be out on the park,” Aleer told AAP.

“Last year, I had a couple of things going on and wasn’t able to obviously do the full intense pre-season that a lot of boys have, but I still feel pretty fit.

“It’s (ruck craft) different, but it has a lot of fun aspects to it. And then there’s obviously a grind to it.”

Guided by assistant coach Shane Mumford and occasional viewings of Max Gawn highlights, Aleer hopes his transformation will make him a non-negotiable in Kingsley’s side should they make finals.

Aleer has played just one post-season match – last year’s elimination final loss to Hawthorn.

“I’m just trying to do my best to be as much of a weapon as I can in that aspect of the game,” Aleer said.

“It definitely does suit my game and that jumping side of it is definitely a big aspect of why I’m currently playing ruck.

“Obviously, I don’t make the final calls. That’s up to the coaches, but at the moment I’m just trying to do the best I possibly can.”