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North Melbourne have made their first move of the AFL trade period, securing Paul Ahern from GWS in exchange for the low price of pick No.69.
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GWS football manager Wayne Campbell said:
“Paul has had a frustrating start to his career due to injury but his determination and resilience has been admired by all at the Giants.
“We thank Paul for his contribution to the Giants over the past two years and wish him well for the rest of his career.”
The move appears to be a classic low-risk, high-reward deal for North – giving up very little to secure a player with huge potential.
Ahern was a top ten draft selection just two years ago but has suffered two ACL injuries in the space of the last year.
He’s unlikely to play at all in 2017 meaning a potential AFL debut is on hold likely until 2018 at the very earliest.
However, he showed immense talent as a versatile midfielder with speed and skills as an underager, and could be exactly the kind of player North Melbourne needs if he comes good.
For the token cost of pick No.69, his talent seems well worth taking a punt on.
The Giants don’t gain much if anything out of the deal, except a bit of relief in terms of their salary cap and list management concenrs.
Roarers, who do you think wins this trade? For every trade this off-season, we’re asking you to rate the trade – vote below, and we’ll release all the results at the end of trade period.
Welcome Paul Ahern to Arden St!
We've traded pick 69 to secure the 20 year old: https://t.co/iLkBSA1V9H #ShareTheSpirit pic.twitter.com/SLyEByq5h4
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) October 16, 2016
TRADE: The GIANTS have received pick 69 from @NMFCOfficial in exchange for Paul Ahern.
MORE: https://t.co/S5yJ2bnf0A pic.twitter.com/GAT0ZSIo3j
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 16, 2016
Was Marc Pittonet dudded?
Outstanding from Nicholas Madden!
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
