North’s win over West Coast on Sunday not only kept it in the hunt for a finals berth, but also gave confidence to the supporters that the future is bright.
The likes of Ryan Clarke, Jed Anderson and Jy Simpkin were impressive, but it was eighth-gamer Paul Ahern that was the talk of the town.
The Mercury
“North’s 12.9 (81) to 6.5 (41) victory was built on a complete midfield domination which resulted in finishing the match with 26 more contested possessions and a lopsided 61-46 inside 50m count.
“Ahern, playing just his eighth match, was the spark early for the Roos, picking up nine first quarter disposals (seven contested) and having five clearances as the home side did everything but put the Eagles away on the scoreboard.” - Adam Smith
Herald Sun
“If Matt Scharenberg is looking for inspiration in recovery, he should look no further than Paul Ahern.
“Coming off two knee reconstructions, and his eighth AFL game, Ahern had 37 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 12 clearances and five inside 50s.” - Mark Robinson
The Age
“They (the Kangaroos) look to have done exceptionally well by procuring former No.7 draft pick Ahern from Greater Western Sydney for pick 69.” - Daniel Cherney
Fox Footy
“He looks like he’s played 100 (games), he looks fantastic.
“He’s stocky, he’s solid he knows his game.
“He’s a valuable acquisition for them. You’re getting a risk, but he’s showing today he’s worthy of a top 10 pick.
“This is astute recruiting, (believing) our medical staff think that can get the best out of him.” - Dermott Brereton
SEN
“I looked at Ahern’s numbers, he’s played eight games, we know he’s had multiple leg injuries.
“In six of his eight games, he’s had over 20 touches, 37 on the weekend, 29 in his first and four other games of the eight where he’s had 20+.
“Coming off a limited base, no footy at this level and he’s doing this in the early stage of his career, how good could Paul Ahern actually be?” - Andy Maher
The 22-year-old partnered with experienced midfielder Ben Cunnington, who was also dominant in and around the contest.
Herald Sun
“He (Ahern) and Ben Cunnington combined for 44 contested possessions - the team had 179 - and they put West Coast to the sword.
“More than that, they showed the Eagles the tough football needed in difficult conditions and in doing so kept North Melbourne’s season alive.” - Mark Robinson
Fellow midfielder Shaun Higgins had a roller-coaster afternoon, held tightly by Eagle Mark Hutchings for much of the game, the 30-year-old still managed to have an impact around the ground.
AFL.com.au
“The former Bulldog notched his 200th game against the Eagles, and while his output wasn't as prolific as it has been at times in a career-best season, he was typically combative winning the ball and silky going forward.
“Aware of Higgins' potential to influence the contest, the Eagles sent Mark Hutchings to play the shutdown role – a job the dogged Eagle did beautifully for the first half-and-a-bit. But after recording just two disposals during the first term, Higgins continued to work his way into the contest and hit the scoreboard with a long-range major as the Roos took control in the third term and another polished finish in the final quarter to seal the deal for North.” - Stu Warren
