Gold Coast fans have come to cherish the moment Adam Saad gets his hands on the Sherrin.

His dash off half-back is something to marvel and only five rounds into the 2017 season his highlights reel is already taking shape.

On Saturday night Saad was tasked with manning Adelaide’s premier small forward, and current Coleman Medal leader, Eddie Betts.

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After the All Australian booted six in round four, Saad once again stepped up to the challenge of Betts limiting him to three majors.

Speaking to the media post-match Rodney Eade was all praise for Saad.

“He was terrific,” Eade said.

“His ability to win one on ones and keep his feet, I thought it was exceptional.

“I thought his attacking game as well, I thought he had a real good balance tonight.”

Saad’s rise to prominence has been well documented. After being taken by the SUNS in the 2014 Rookie Draft he earned himself a Rising Star nomination the following year.

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Although injury limited him to 10 games in 2016, his ability to break lines with his run-and-carry cemented him as one of the team’s most valuable players.

Eade said Saad’s performance on Saturday night was the best his seen from the 22-year-old.

“That’s as good a game as he’s played,” Eade said.

“Betts is probably in the top two small forwards to ever play, and to be able to get on the ground, in the air, from the boundary and do everything, he’s got a full array of tricks, I thought Adam was terrific tonight.”