The Gold Coast SUNS are excited to announce the signing of promising ruck Vivien Saad on deadline day of the AFLW Sign & Trade period.

Saad comes from North Melbourne where she has played 16 games in the last two seasons of the NAB AFLW competition.

The SUNS sent pick 19 to North Melbourne in exchange for Saad and pick 30 in return.

A former basketballer with exceptional game sense, Saad can play in the ruck but also has the versatility to play at either end of the ground.

The 28-year-old said she couldn’t wait to start a new chapter on the Gold Coast.

“I’m so excited to be coming up to Queensland and joining the SUNS,” Saad said.

“It seems like a great group of players and a very talented list so I’m eager to get started.

“I want to say a big thanks to North Melbourne for the last two years, I’ll miss everyone there but I’m looking forward to meeting all the players, staff, members and fans at the SUNS.”

SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said Saad was an important signing for the club.

“We’re really excited to have Vivien on board for next season,” Sessarago said.

“Looking at our list we identified the need for another key position player and think Vivien fits that mould to provide some support for Lauren Bella in the ruck but also play at both ends of the ground.

“Importantly Vivien is also a fantastic person so we can’t wait to have her up on the Gold Coast.”

Saad becomes the second player to join the SUNS in the AFLW Sign & Trade period after a deal was struck on Tuesday which saw ex-Saint Claudia Whitfort head north.

The SUNS now have four list positions available ahead of the NAB AFLW Draft later this year.