EDFL: Paul Ahern suffers serious knee injury in Pascoe Vale’s win

A serious knee injury to a returning junior from the AFL has taken some of the gloss off Pascoe Vale’s big round 1 win as a new face put his name up in lights.

One of Pascoe Vale’s biggest moves of the off-season has quickly turned into devastation after just one game.

Panthers coach Digby Morrell confirmed returning junior Paul Ahern, who signed for the club after time in the AFL system, had suffered a serious knee injury in his side’s 12.13 (85) to 9.11 (65) win over Glenroy in the EDFL Premier Division on Saturday.

Ahern, 25, has already undergone two knee reconstructions after rupturing his ACL twice during his time with the GWS Giants before he eventually moved onto North Melbourne.

Morrell said while scans had not yet confirmed the full extent the injury, he described the second quarter incident as “shattering”.

“It’s really disappointing for Paul because he was really looking forward to coming back and playing footy with his mates,” he said.

“I’m devastated to think it could be another 12 months on the sidelines after everything he has been through.

“He’s been super linked into our group and I’m sure he will stay involved in some capacity.

“It would be fantastic if he decided to help out with some coaching because his experience and knowledge would be a real benefit.”

Recruit Paul Ahern suffered a serious knee injury. Photo: Michael Klein.

Ahern’s injury came during a tight first half where both sides struggled to gain asdencesy in the contest.

But in the second half, the Panthers were able to break away with a 20-point lead at the final change.

Pascoe Vale recruit Sam Godden shone in his first game for the club with three goals from the midfield while star forward Matthew Watson finished with three of his own.

Morrell said he was excited to finally see the former Glenelg and NT Thunder ball-winner in action.

Godden had signed for the Panthers ahead of the 2021 season but did not play due to a serious knee injury.

“I thought he excelled in the conditions,” Morrell said.

“It’s fantastic to finally see him out there because we know he’s a really classy footballer.”

Wingman Ben Allan was named the best player on the ground after an impressive display which also included a goal.

“He worked hard in really difficult conditions,” Morrell said.

“Ben will be an important player for us this season. He’s someone we can rely on to get the ball to our targets including “Watto” and Will Hoare.”

Sam Godden impressed on his Pascoe Vale debut.

Morrell said Glenroy deserved plenty of credit for their performance with a “completely changed” gamestyle.

“It was a real challenge for us because they had some talented players we hadn’t seen before,” he said.

“Early wins this year will be crucial because I think we’re going to see a much tighter competition than we have in previous years.

“But that’s only going to make it more exciting for fans.”

Pascoe Vale will take on the “intriguing” East Keilor in their next game as both sides try to maintain their perfect record.

Glenroy will look to bounce back against Greenvale.

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