Aliir says he knows he needs to lead by example in the backline, bringing Port Adelaide's young defenders along with him at the same time. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE defender Aliir Aliir has spoken about the crazy emotions he experienced after his game-winning actions late in the side’s win over Sydney.

Still yet to taste defeat against his former side, Aliir proved the hero, stopping former teammate Ollie Florent’s set shot just before the goalline after the siren to ensure Port won at the SCG by two points.

Speaking at Adelaide Oval to help launch the AFL’s Gather Round, the 28-year-old talked about the importance of backing up the victory against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, the jostle for positions in the backline and dealing with racism in sport.

Aliir Aliir on how important it was to beat Sydney

“It was really important. We hadn’t been able to do it after we got that win over Brisbane so we’re looking for another win against the Doggies. We don’t want to ride the highs too high or the lows too low, so we’re probably staying (balanced) and trying to get the win and back it up this week.”

Just seconds after his game-saving spoil, Aliir Aliir celebrates post-game. Image: AFL Photos.

Aliir Aliir on the crazy last few minutes of the game

“I’m getting tagged in it everywhere and having mates and family sending it to me but it was a crazy last two minutes. I said after the game the emotions were high. A minute in footy sometimes feels like five minutes.

“I remember (Connor) Rozee kicking the ball down (the other end) and I was just thinking ‘blow the siren now’ and then it came back the other way.

“To be fair, it looked like (Florent’s shot) was going in from where we were. As soon as Ollie (Florent) marked it, I knew he was a great set-shot kicker and he flushed it really well so I was like ‘Geez it’s going in’ but it just dropped at the last second and I was able to get there.

“Even if (Callum) Mills was or wasn’t there, I was going to run through him no matter what. I was just glad we got the win.”

Aliir Aliir on Ken Hinkley coaching from the bench

“The last time he was there might have been a pre-season game. A lot of coaches do it, just to be able to have that interaction with the players.

“I don’t come off too often so I don’t get to have too much interaction with him but it’s good to have those discussions face-to-face rather than on the phone.”

Aliir Aliir on the pressure for selection in the backline with Dylan Williams’s strong performance, Darcy Byrne-Jones’s impact off the substitute bench and the availability following a two-game suspension of Ryan Burton

“I’m glad I don’t have to pick the team. They’re all quality players. Burto coming back, he can play tall and small or shut down a player if he needs to, Dylan in his second game was able to play well. It was a tough ask for him to play on Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney at times but I thought he held his own and obviously Darcy coming on and making an impact straight away so it’s going to be a tough match committee. But any of those guys can come in and do a job for us.”

Aliir Aliir on being a leader in the backline

“I’m 28 years old. I know footy. I read the game well and I feel like my leadership is standing up. I can’t leave it to Tom Jonas and the older guys to be able to do it. I need to be able to lead by example and I guess get these young guys to jump on board with me too.

“It’s the quickest way for us to be successful. Once we’re on the same page, it makes footy a lot easier.”

Aliir Aliir on the recent episodes of racism experienced by First Nations players

“I feel for them. I’ve been in that position before. It’s pretty (terrible) that it’s still happening. Keyboard warriors behind a computer just trying to get a status or whatever it may be. From my point of view, all I can do is put my arm around them. I don’t play with them but I know them very well and just to be able to put my arm around them and comfort them because the fact these things keep happening sucks and I definitely know what they’re going through.

“We want to get rid of it but by us just saying that it’s not just going to happen. I don’t know why it happens, I’ve sat there myself trying to get my head around it and what ways can we do it.

"If someone cops it, do we stop sharing it on social media because some of them might get a kick out of us reposting whatever it is that they’ve said.

“I’m not sure what the best way is to get rid of it but all we can do is support our brothers.”