IT WAS in the third quarter of Vic Metro's game against Western Australia at Simonds Stadium in June when Paul Ahern caught the eye.
Withthe ball up for grabs in the middle of the ground, Ahern gathered it,stepped through traffic and immediately had opened up space.
Hetook two bounces, separating himself from his chasers, and sent theball inside-50. It took skill, composure and balance – a handful ofAhern's main traits.
Ahern, of Indigenousbackground, played five games for Vic Metro during the NAB AFL Under-18Championships and was named an All Australian.
He also averaged 17 disposals in 15 games for the Calder Cannons, chipping in with 17 goals to show his versatility in attack.
Ahern showed his quality in the TAC Cup Grand Final, when hegathered 26 disposals, took seven marks and kicked a goal for theCannons. It was a good example of what he is capable of producing, andalso came with his side staring down a hefty defeat.
Thesmooth-moving midfielder has a special mix of being able to create theplay as well as finish it. Ahern is quick but glides across the ground,and is best when running with the ball in hand, closing in on goal andslotting his shot. His kicking can be long and accurate or short andprecise.
Ahern's mix of speed and endurancemeans he can play as an inside or outside midfielder, and his ability towin a disposal and then burst away is rare in this draft pool.
Ahern had an inconsistent second half of the season after thechampionships, and at times that can be put down to his sometimes patchyintensity, where he can float in and out of games.
He's been likened to Bernie Vince, but probably with a touch morepace. Like the Melbourne midfielder, Ahern's delivery by foot istop-notch and he can go forward to hit the scoreboard.
At this stage Ahern looks a likely first-round selection.
This isn't a draft loaded with midfielders who run quickly, oozeclass and kick goals, so there are key reasons for Ahern's popularityamong recruiters.
He loves having the ball inhis hands and directing teammates where to lead with smart kicks. He'sthe one you want in possession.
