Adam Saad | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

Coming over from the mortal enemy in 2021, Adam Saad was welcomed home in open arms. He filled the gap that was left by Kade Simpson and provided that attacking flair and dash of the half-back line which was desperately needed. He came in and had a massive impact on the start, he had over 20 touches in his first 4 games and his first goal was against the Bombers in round 7 where he played an inspired game of football. He played a constant brand of football which always helped the side, being able to break games apart with his speed and athleticism. He didn’t break any records in 2021 or do anything too notable, but in an underwhelming year, he was a shining light in and amongst a side full of darkness. 

BEST PERFORMANCE 

After back-to-back pretty underwhelming games in round’s 8 and 9, Saad needed a rebound. What better place to show how good you really are than on a Saturday Afternoon at the G. Round 10 against the Hawks was the setting and Saad needed to establish himself to the Blues faithful. 

Saad had 26 touches, 88% efficiency, 20 kicks, 8 marks, 9 intercept possessions, 6 score involvements, 658 metres gained, 4 inside 50’s and 7 rebound 50’s. This was by far one of Saad’s most impressive performances of the season and this showed the Carlton fans just how good he can be. He had the license to roam forward and create havoc, whilst not hitting the scoreboard, he provided a potent threat for the Hawks. 

Defensively he was very sound as well, as the Hawks small forwards only kicked 2 goals between them all, showing how good players like Saad were on that day. With Docherty playing more on the wing, Saad had to step up and be one of the leaders in that defensive group and he did that very well. He showed he was able to take on more responsibility and be on the few players who took charge of a defensive group that conceded one of the Blues lowest scores of the season 

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

He was arguably the Blues best import this season. With Zac Williams being very underwhelming and Lachie Fogarty playing very well but tailing off at the end of the year, Adam Saad was at his consistent best for the majority of the season. He showed signs of being a borderline All Australian towards the start of the year, and that is what we brought him for, so signs are promising. With Michael Voss now announced as coach, what does that mean for Saad? Will he have more or less defensive responsibilities, because, on offence, he is one of the most dynamic and damaging defenders in the league, we need to exploit it. He should be looking beyond and above what he produced in 2021 because we all know that he is more than capable of procuring some of the most breathtaking football in the game. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

B-

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Star 22