Since making his debut in Round 11, midfielder Paul Ahern has impressed many onlookers with his seamless transition into AFL football.
Despite his composure and calmness on the ball being one of his strongest traits, Ahern admitted he was feeling the pressure when he lined up to kick his first goal at AFL level.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” Ahern told North Media.
“I took the intercept mark and went back, and I don’t know who it was, but one of the boys just told me to just stick to my routine.
“I tried to block out the noise and just follow my routine, and luckily it snuck in.”
Ahern has had some great moments early in his AFL career, but his first goal is something that he won’t forget.
“I initially thought it was going to hit the post, so when it went in and the boys got around me, it was a really good feeling, and it inspired me to keep going and have a really good game,”he said.
A promising junior, and a top 10 draft pick when selected by the GWS Giants, Ahern is relishing his AFL opportunity.
“I didn’t have too many expectations before my debut, but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.
“It’s obviously a bit quicker than what I’m used to, but I think that suits my game, and that gives me confidence going forward.
“The coaches have told me to back myself and play to my attributes, and I think that’s what I do best. When I have the ball in my hand I feel comfortable.”
As well as learning off some of the game’s best players such as Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington, Ahern is enjoying the challenge of competing against the best.
“It’s been great to go up against some of those players (Dangerfield, Ablett, Selwood, Heppell), and while it’s been a challenge, particularly down in Geelong, I’ve taken a lot out of it.”
Despite his obvious talent, Ahern had to bide his time in the VFL prior to his debut, but he believes this time made his transition to the top level a smooth one.
“I think that Deaks (David Loader) and the coaches have done a great job in creating a similar structure that makes the step up to the AFL team easier.”
