‘Difficult' selection call risks pushing young gun Leek Aleer out of GWS Giants as St Kilda circle
A sore Aleer is likely to make way for Sam Taylor in this week's Sydney derby as speculation grows around the young defender's playing future.
Off-contract at season's end, Aleer has been heavily linked with a move to St Kilda.
The 23-year-old has struggled to crack into a stacked Giants defence — boasting the likes of Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Ash and Jack Buckley — since being drafted with pick No.15 in 2021.
He has only played 20 games so far.
An injury to Taylor opened the door for Aleer to return to the side in Round 11, and he has held onto his spot since.
But with Taylor passed fit for Friday night and Aleer managing soreness, coach Kingsley admits the latter is unlikely to retain his spot.
Aleer will be one of three changes, with star duo Josh Kelly and Jesse Hogan also available after being rested last week.
'Leek didn't do much today (at training). He was a bit sore, so we'll assess that again with our medicos,' Kingsley said on Wednesday.
'He probably looks unlikely to play at this stage, I would think.
'It's going to be a really difficult decision, and a difficult match committee that we're going to have.
'Some unlucky guys are going to miss out.'
As contract negotiations continue, Kingsley could only praise the young star's attitude amid growing interest.
'His decision will be his decision,' Kingsley said.
'We hope he stays. We know there's a lot of interest in him, and he's going to be a really good player, we know that.
'He's handling it extremely well. I haven't noticed a change in behaviour at all.
'He's head down, bum up, getting to work, making sure he prepares really well and then performing well.
'Maybe in private time, it's different, but certainly when he presents at the club, that's what I see.'
Later on Wednesday, GWS announced Callum Brown had re-signed on a three-year deal.
The Irish recruit has starred in the back half of the season, kicking 17 goals in his past nine games.
'Callum's journey is one of the great success stories from where he's come from to now being a really solid contributor to our side,' Giants football boss Jason McCartney said.
'He arrived at the club as a teenager from Ireland with very little exposure to AFL, but what he's achieved through his work ethic, commitment and natural ability has been remarkable.
'He's playing some really good footy at the moment and hitting the scoreboard for us which adds another dynamic to our forward line.
'We know he's got great capability to provide a real X-factor and it's pleasing to have him locked away for another three years.'
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News.com.au
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