2020 Trade & Free Agency Spotlight | Adam Saad (ESS)
Written by Joseph Addamo
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
Looking to take the next step in 2021, the success of this off-season’s recruiting is critical. We will be looking at various opposition players on the open market that could add another dimension to the current crop of players.
This is the Blue Abroad Trade & Free Agency Player Spotlight for Essendon’s #42 – Adam Saad.
WHO IS ADAM SAAD?
Junior Club: Coburg Football Club, VFL
AFL Selection: Pick 25, 2015 AFL Rookie Draft by the Gold Coast Suns
Age (@ Round 1, 2021): 26
Height: 178cm
Weight: 78kg
Position(s): Defender
Career Games: 109
Career Goals: 8
WHAT IS ADAM SAAD’S STRONGEST ATTRIBUTE?
Speed. To. Burn. Adam Saad’s weapon is undoubtedly his pace. His ability to flash past opposition players and break lines for both Gold Coast and Essendon in his career to date has been eye-catching. His top speed recorded is 34.1km/h while he averages 31.8km/h sprint speed in 2020. Whooshka! This is complemented by his kicking and playmaking ability with what is presented in front of him.
In his career to date, he rates above average for disposals per game (17.2), metres gained (344.3), effective disposals (14.1) and kick efficiency (76.5%). He also ranks in the elite category for his overall disposal efficiency (81.8%) and bounces per game (3.5).
It’s a mouth-watering prospect thinking about Saad utilizing his dash and dare as a half-back flanker in the Navy Blue jumper. While not as ‘warrior’ like, his ability to take on the game and back in his decision-making and execution is very ‘Simmo’-esque.
WHERE WOULD ADAM SAAD FIT IN CARLTON’S STARTING 22?
Although he made his name at VFL level as a small forward, Saad is an out-and-out half-back flanker, and would slot straight into Carlton’s Round 1 squad if acquired.
Round 1 of the 2020 season vs. Fremantle highlights what Saad is capable on his best day. He finished with 28 disposals going at 82% efficiency. This was with 481 metres gained, 3 score involvements and 5 intercept possessions sweeping across the half back line for the Bombers in a 6-point win. All of this came from just 78% time on ground (in COVID-shortened quarters, also).
With Nic Newman out of action until mid-2021 on current timelines, Saad’s influence would be felt immediately out of the blocks in the 2021 season.
WHAT IS ADAM SAAD’S CONTRACT STATUS?
Adam Saad’s highly publicized contract negotiations with Essendon have been the talk of the football world in recent weeks. He does not have a contract for 2021, with the guarantees being offered by the Bombers not of agreeable nature at this time.
This tension has allowed Carlton to swoop and further their pursuit. It is believed the Blues have offered Saad a contract in the vicinity of $800,000 per year over 5 years. However, this could potentially be considered overs, as good as Saad is, with his value closer to the $700,000 mark over that period a more balanced deal.
With that said, Saad is an absolute jet. Paying overs to secure his services would not disappoint in the slightest.
REALISTIC ACQUISITION RATING
5 / 10
