Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce, Adam Saad, will Don the Sash in 2018, after a trade was finalised with the Gold Coast Suns today.
Saad has agreed to a three year deal that will see him play in the red and black until the end of 2020.
The Dons received Saad, in exchange for a future second-round pick in next year’s draft.
Saad said he is looking forward to doing the hard work and preparing for the 2018 season.
“It’s really exciting and humbling to finally be on Essendon’s list, I’m really grateful for the opportunity they have given me,” Saad said.
“As soon as I spoke to Essendon, I felt at home straight away.
“I’m really excited to be a part of such a great culture and club, and I’m excited by the list and what we’re striving to do.
“I’m looking forward to coming in and earning the respect of my teammates, the coaches and everyone at the club, and trying to improve every day.”
The defender grew up playing for Calder Cannons and Coburg, and the move to Essendon will see Saad return home to the North-West of Melbourne.
Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Saad is a great fit for the Club.
“Adam is a strong defender of his opponent with excellent speed and ball-handling skills which allow him to take the game on from the backline,” Worsfold said.
“We believe Adam will complement the style of game we are developing.
“Adam is fully committed to living the values we have established as a Club and we look forward to him bringing his personal values and character to the Essendon football Club.”
In 2015 Saad was named in the backline of the 22under22 team and was a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
Essendon List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Saad will bring incredible speed to the Bombers.
“Adam will be a great addition to our backline though his ability to break lines with his exciting run-and-carry,” Dodoro said.
“It is great to sign a player of his calibre. He was highly rated at the Suns, and we can’t wait to see him run out for our club for the 2018 season and beyond.
“Adam comes from a close family environment and will flourish being back in Melbourne.”
Saad signed with Gold Coast in the 2014 Rookie Draft. He played 48 AFL games with the Suns.
