A FORMER Giant-turned-Kangaroo is a chance to make his long-awaited AFL debut on Sunday against Brisbane, almost 1300 days after he was drafted as a top-10 pick.

Paul Ahern was the No.7 selection in a vaunted 2014 draft class headlined by St Kilda's Paddy McCartin and Demons pair Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw.

Sydney's Isaac Heeney, Melbourne defender Jake Lever, Western Bulldog Toby McLean and Adelaide forward Mitch McGovern are among the success stories out of that draft.

But there's also been injury heartache for top-10 choices McCartin, Petracca, Brayshaw, Jarrod Pickett, Caleb Marchbank, Peter Wright, Darcy Moore, Nakia Cockatoo and, of course, Ahern.

The Calder Cannons graduate, who earned All Australian under-18 honours for Vic Metro in his draft year, was firstly buried in a richly-talent GWS line-up and left to dominate at NEAFL level.

Any hope of breaking through in 2016 was dashed when Ahern required two right knee reconstructions, in February then again in September that year.

North Melbourne's list management team saw an opportunity and secured the 21-year-old, knowing he wouldn't play the following season, for pick No.65 in a low-risk, high-reward deal.

He was ready in time for the 2018 pre-season, got through unscathed and made an instant impression in the opening VFL round with 29 disposals.

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

The inside-outside threat sizzled in North's win over Hawthorn's affiliate Box Hill on Saturday, amassing 27 touches and impressing with his kicking skills, composure and decision-making.

Ahern's biggest hurdle now is finding a spot in Brad Scott's senior side, which sits fifth with a 6-4 record.

The Kangaroos made only eight team changes in the first 10 rounds, owing to a short injury list, good form and a preference for a settled line-up.

Ahern's best opportunity appears to be if defender Sam Wright is given a rest, a month into his AFL return after previously not playing since round 11, 2016, because of foot and ankle injuries.

It would be particularly appropriate if Ahern, who is of indigenous descent, were to make his debut in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Kangaroos will name a 26-man squad on Thursday for Sunday's Etihad Stadium clash.