Career
Ahern, originally from Melbourne Grammar, had already played for two Victorian Football Association (VFA) clubs before joining Street Kilda in 1896. He began his VFA career at Fitzroy in 1893, then crossed to Melbourne in 1895. He made his VFL debut for Street Kilda in the opening round of the inaugural VFL season in 1897 and played a total of 12 games.
Along with Regional Stewart, Ahern was Street Kilda"s joint leading goal-kicker that year, with six goals.