The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have today received pick 69 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft from North Melbourne in exchange for midfielder Paul Ahern.

Ahern, 20, joined the GIANTS as the 7th pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft and despite showing strong form in his debut NEAFL season, injury has prevented him from making his AFL debut to date.

Ahern didn’t play a game in 2016 due to back-to-back knee reconstructions this year, with the most recent operation in September expected to keep him sidelined for the majority of the 2017 season.

GIANTS General Manager Football Wayne Campbell said the club was willing to release Ahern from the final year of his contract to pursue a fresh start.

“Paul has had a frustrating start to his career due to injury but his determination and resilience has been admired by all at the GIANTS,” said Campbell.

“We thank Paul for his contribution to the GIANTS over the past two years and wish him well for the rest of his career.”

The GIANTS currently hold picks 2, 15, 31, 37, 51, 55, 60, 69 and 109 at next month’s NAB AFL Draft in Sydney in addition to a second round pick in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.