Northcote Park youngster Mahmoud El-Achkar’s debut shows deafness no hurdle to footy dream

A youngster making his senior debut is a weekly event in the Northern Football League but Northcote Park’s Mahmoud El-Achkar stepping out onto Bill Lawry Oval had extra significance.

Northcote Park youngster Mahmoud El-Achkar.

A youngster making his senior debut is a weekly event in the Northern Football League.

However, for Northcote Park’s Mahmoud El-Achkar stepping out onto Bill Lawry Oval last weekend was significant.

The 19-year-old is deaf.

El-Achkar made his debut in the Cougars’ loss to North Heidelberg and held his place in Saturday’s loss to Montmorency.

The pacy forward was mobbed by teammates after kicking a goal on debut after earning his chance with two eye-catching performances in the reserves.

Northcote Park youngster Mahmoud El-Achkar.

However, Cougars coach Matt McLennan said his young charge had a will to succeed.

“Moods, he’s a good boy, he tries really hard, he wants to be part of everything. He definitely doesn’t let it get in the way,” he said.

“He can get a little frustrated, he’s still young and finding his way as many 19-year-olds are.

“I think he still struggles with the 360 degree aspect of Aussie Rules footy, so we’ve got him playing off half-forward and running in straight lines.

REPORT: FITZGERALD’S BIG BAG CRUSHES COUGARS

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

VAFA: PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION’S REMARKABLE TEAM

“But you give him roles and responsibility, he really thrives on it. He’s a really good young man.”

Former Collingwood and current Williamstown VFL defender Sam McLarty showed deafness is no barrier to playing football.

McLennan said it was a work in progress but believed El-Achkar had a bright future.

“Sometimes it’s just the communication when you direct him and it’s the same with the umpires telling him to get back on the mark or something,” he said.

Northcote Park coach Matt McLennan addresses his players.

“His automatic reaction is he just gives them — and me included — a bit of a look.

“I’ve got to slow down and make sure I’ve got his full attention when I’m trying to communicate something.”

Northcote Park fell to a 54-point defeat to the Magpies as inter-league star Pat Fitzgerald bagged 11 goals.

Matt Perry was the Cougars best on a dirty day, kicking three goals from midfield while Charles Le Fanu and Luke Svarc also impressed.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.