It took until round 19 last season for Paul Ahern to be used at senior level in a position best suited to his lucrative ball-winning talents, and he delivered with 27 and 26 disposals over the next fortnight in a half back role. Then, injury yet again cut him down prior to round 22 just when it looked like he was building momentum, as it has so often over six listed years. We are not quite at Daniel Menzel levels of desperation with Ahern's career, but perhaps it's a measure of how well North have developed their list that he could moulder in the reserves for so long despite some decent form. Realistically, he will have to hope for injuries and/or form drops to the likes of Luke McDonald and Shaun Atley, as he is obviously low on the depth chart.
Ahem, Ahern lacks luck
It took until round 19 last season for Paul Ahern to be used at senior level in a position best suited to his lucrative ball-winning talents, and he delivered with 27 and 26 disposals over the next fortnight in a half back role. Then, injury yet again cut him down prior to round 22 just when it looked like he was building momentum, as it has so often over six listed years. We are not quite at Daniel Menzel levels of desperation with Ahern's career, but perhaps it's a measure of how well North have developed their list that he could moulder in the reserves for so long despite some decent form. Realistically, he will have to hope for injuries and/or form drops to the likes of Luke McDonald and Shaun Atley, as he is obviously low on the depth chart.
Worm turns for Ahern
Despite being in the league for four injury-riddled years prior to 2018, Paul Ahern's debut season produced more than the most optimistic North supporters might have hoped for, headlined by a 29-disposal debut and a 27-disposal round 19 performance against West Coast. He also couldn't reach 60 fantasy points in over half of his 11 games. Ahern has many of the hallmarks of a potential breakout player. He should experience significant fitness gains which will see his time on ground increase from the 68% he averaged in 2018. In leagues with deep midfields, don’t let him slip through as good coaches will see the upside in him. Even in a shallow league, don’t be afraid to take a flier on him.
Footy ahoy for Ahern
After two years off with consecutive knee reconstructions, Paul Ahern began his preseason going into 2018 with one NEAFL season from 2015 on his CV, where the 2014 Under-18 All-Australian showed he was capable of accumulating 30 disposals in a game. Ahern would be one reason why North decided they could let Sam Gibson go. It's a gamble to rely on a player with this kind of history. The Kangas have very little to lose; you have a draft pick that could be spent on a more reliable conveyance. A flier pick at best.
