It may have only been a pre-season game, and a game played deep in north Queensland away from a traditional AFL stadium. But, on Sunday afternoon, Adam Saad, with his brave running and precise ball use announced himself as another option for Rodney Eade down back.
His story is one of persistence and self-belief and is quickly gathering interest from the broader football community.
The 20-year-old believes a move to the back half of the ground last year helped take his game to another level, resulting in his drafting.
After a couple of fruitless seasons spent toiling in a forward pocket, the Coburg product spent 2014 playing as a running defender under Peter German in the VFL; a move that allowed him to utilise his quick turn of foot and ability to break the lines.
“That’s where I find I can just show my strengths, my pace, try and break the lines try to hit up targets,” Saad told afl.com.au’s First Bounce on Thursday morning.
“I played forward pocket for a couple years and I couldn’t seem to get into the games. I think that’s where I’m most creative and I can use my attributes and my strengths.”
VIDEO: Watch Adam Saad talking to SUNS TV ahead of his first appearance against Geelong.
The disappointment of being overlooked in several national drafts and rookie drafts hurt Saad, but didn’t stop the lightly built left-footer from pursuing his dream.
Saad credits the support of his family for helping him push through the painful times of rejection and allowing him to get to where he is now.
“Obviously as a kid you dream to get drafted and play AFL. The support base I’ve got back home, they just helped me through the tough times,” he said.
“I always had in my head that I wanted to become an AFL player. I was more motivated than ever to finally get on a list which happened last year and I’m grateful for.”
As a devout Muslim, Saad looks up to Richmond’s Bachar Houli who has become a leading influence for young Australian Muslims.
Take a look at the squad named to take on GWS in our second NAB Challenge fixture
Saad revealed the pair has had regular contact in the last couple of months, with Houli providing direction and advice on a range of topics including the challenges presented by Ramadan.
“He’s been an inspiration. The way he balances footy and religion and the way he’s gone about it has been unreal,” Saad said.
“We’ve had contact over the last month and a bit, I’m trying to feed off him and gain some knowledge which has been good for me.”
