He's had plenty of experience with the former, having played 50 games with the Swans since joining the club as pick number 44 in the 2013 AFL Draft.

But on Wednesday he not only visited Port Macquarie for the first time, he had his first interaction with arguably the nation's most prized possession.

"I didn't cuddle a koala; I didn't know what it was going to do so I was kind of a bit scared to be honest," he said of his visit to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

"They had the cameras on me so I took a few steps, then it fell down, then got back up and looked like it was going to hop on me so I took a step back.

"It was good to go to the koala hospital; I've never been up close with a koala before so it was a different experience."

The 25-year-old admitted he didn't see a career as a koala carer anytime down the track although he understands the importance of what they do.

"I'm definitely more comfortable with an AFL ball in my hand to be honest," he said.

The visit to the koala hospital was part of the club's statewide AFL Community Camp this year which saw players visit a number of locations affected by bushfires this summer.

"These sorts of visits are very important," Aliir said.

"It's my first time in Port Macquarie and the whole club are getting around to those communities, showing a bit of support, talking about our lifestyles and what we do."

Born in Kenya, Aliir said he could relate to school children whose knowledge of Aussie Rules was limited as a result of living in a location dominated by rugby league, football and rugby union.

"I never knew what AFL was as a kid and even when I started at school it was more about just having fun and trying different sports," he said.

"I never picked up an AFL ball until it was very, very late so I can relate to these kids who just want to learn, play something different and be around their mates."

He hopes seeing more of Richmond star Dustin Martin and Swans teammate Buddy Franklin will inspire the next generation of footy stars.

"I wasn't in love with footy at first, but then I saw guys like Nic Nat taking speccies and kicking spectacular goals so that drew me closer," he said.

"Then I thought 'I want to try this game and play at the top level'."

And the message from the Swans defender was a simple one for budding stars - you've got to enjoy what you're doing.

"I enjoy playing different sports so I'm not here to tell them they have to play AFL because that's the wrong message," he said.

"It's about trying to share my story and the pathway I took to get here.

"It wasn't easy and there were always a few setbacks so if I can share my story hopefully it can motivate a few of these kids."

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