PAUL Ahern will continue this year's feelgood theme at Arden Street when he makes his AFL debut – 1285 days after he was drafted – for North Melbourne against Brisbane on Sunday.

Ahern forced the Kangaroos' hand with an outstanding VFL performance, picking up 27 touches and impressing with his kicking skills, composure and decision-making in a win over Box Hill.

The 21-year-old joined Greater Western Sydney as the No.7 pick in the 2014 AFL Draft, but two knee reconstructions in 2016, in February and September that year, threatened to ruin his career.

Instead, North gave Ahern a second chance when its list management team sent pick 65 to the Giants in exchange for the midfielder in a low-risk, high-reward deal.

"It feels unreal. Obviously, it's been a long time coming, but to play in indigenous round as well makes it that bit more special," he told nmfc.com.au.

"My family and friends are all really proud, so it's going to be really enjoyable.

"There were some dark days in rehab, but I think having to wait all those years to finally play my first game and then to get the call-up while the team is going so well – I'm over the moon and stoked to be a part of it."

Ahern spent last year recovering from his second right knee injury without any pressure to play, then has starred in the VFL in 2018.

The only state league match he missed this year was when he was the Roos' travelling emergency against Sydney in round seven, and he is averaging 23.7 possessions and 3.3 tackles.

"I never really doubted myself that I would get there. Obviously, there were some times there when it was really frustrating and a bit depressing," the Calder Cannons product said.

"But once I got to work, started working hard and training with the main group, that's when it kind of looked as though it was going to happen.

"It was unreal when I finally got the call-up."

The fifth-placed Kangas are not only excelling on the field with a 6-4 record, but has incorporated injury-cursed pair Ben Jacobs and Sam Wright back into the senior line-up.

Neither of them had played at AFL level since the first half of the 2016 season because of persistent foot-related troubles.

Jacobs returned in round one and has been one of North's best players, while Wright will play his fifth AFL game on the trot this weekend.

Hawk-turned-Roo Jed Anderson, another whose career has been cruelled by injury, is also playing career-best football.