Greater Western Sydney has secured another one of its top-10 picks to a contract extension, with first-year midfielder Paul Ahern signing a new one-year deal.
Ahern, who was selected at pick No.7 at last year’s NAB AFL Draft, has added an extra year onto his initial contract, which will now see him tied to the club until the end of 2017.
Ahern was already signed to the end of 2016 with the standard two-year contract given to every player picked in the national draft.
His early re-commitment follows the news the Giants have also locked away exciting speedster Jarrod Pickett to an extra year, also through to the end of 2017.
Ahern has put together some promising form at NEAFL level so far this season, including a best-afield performance last week in the Giants’ reserves win over Gold Coast.
He collected 31 disposals and kicked two goals as he inches closer to a debut at senior level, following a 30-disposal and one-goal effort earlier in the season.
GWS football manager Graeme Allen told AFL.com.au that Ahern was shaping as an important part of the club’s plans.
“Paul has settled in well at the Giants and played his best NEAFL game yet on the weekend,” he said.
“He’s been impressive since arriving at the club late last year and is working well with the midfield group.
“We see him having a bright future here at the Giants.”
The former Calder Cannon suffered a scare during a pre-season trial game when he was bumped and injured his neck. The concern over his fitness saw him taken to hospital and the game called off in the last quarter.