North Melbourne coach Brad Scott describes Paul Ahern’s debut as a ‘fairy-tale’

PAUL Ahern had to wait 1284 days to make his AFL debut. Now with one game to his name, the indigenous talent looks right at home on the big stage. Brad Scott opens up on the young Roos’ journey.

Paul Ahern was a standout on debut for the Roos. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne’s surge towards a shock finals berth gained steam on Sunday with coach Brad Scott lauding indigenous talent Paul Ahern’s “fairy-tale” debut in the 54-point thumping of Brisbane Lions.

Scott sensed in the rooms before the match his players were about to demolish the Lions and they kicked 12 goals to three in the first half, despite losing Jarrad Waite (calf) in the warm-up and Jed Anderson (hamstring) in the first quarter.

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The Lions were down to one fit bench player by the second quarter with Hugh McCluggage (calf) and indigenous pair Charlie Cameron (ankle) and Allen Christensen (concussion) ruled out.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said it was a “mighty courageous effort” for his team to outscore North by one point in the second half after the Kangas “dominated” the first term.

Harris Andrews restricted Ben Brown to two goals but the Roos boasted 14 goalkickers and kicked their highest ever score against Brisbane.

Ahern, 21, collected 29 disposals on debut after forcing match committee’s hand with last week’s “dominant” VFL performance.

Paul Ahern leaves the field after playing in his first win. Picture: Getty Images

The No. 7 draft pick is indigenous through his mother and grandmother with their tribe from Orbost, about 370km east of Melbourne.

“There have been some pretty good stories now of guys who have come back from multiple knee reconstructions,” Scott said.

“But I don’t think too many have come back from multiple knee reconstructions before playing and then making a debut like that.”

The Roos rated Ahern in the top 10 of the 2014 draft but only had to trade pick 69 to get him in 2016.

“The first half didn’t surprise me at all. I really had a feeling running out,” Scott said.

“(It was) a very, very good performance all in all. When the game was there to be won we played some really good footy.

“We probably got in a position where, not that the leads in modern footy are ever unassailable, but it’s hard when players subconsciously don’t feel threatened out there to run up the clock.”

The 7-4 Roos are ranked No. 2 in the AFL for defence and face the No. 1 side — Geelong — at GMHBA Stadium next week.

Scott said Brown appeared “frustrated” with his lack of support from the umpires although was still able to free up space for other forwards.

Scott credited Jy Simpkin, Anderson and Ahern playing in indigenous round and Ahern’s debut 1284 days after he was drafted for the confident pre-game feeling.

Debutants Tom Murphy and Paul Ahern sing the North Melbourne song. Picture: AAP Images

First goalkicker Mason Wood “sparked” the team and Scott was also pleased with Tom Murphy’s 14-disposal debut after coming in for Waite.

Asked if North’s standing at the halfway mark would alter expectations, Scott said: “I reckon you guys (media) will do that for us”.

Scott said the Roos were “working really hard” on their depth with Ahern and Murphy making their debuts, Sam Durdin impressing last week and with Ben McKay ready to play.

Fagan said the Roos appeared finals bound but was pleased with his team’s character.

“This group last year at the same stage, with three men down and being down 55 points at halftime, may well have been beaten by over 100 points,” Fagan said.

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