It can be hard to back up an impressive inaugural year at a new club, but Adam Saad lost no momentum in his second season at The Hangar.
The dashing Bomber finished fourth in the Crichton Medal in 2018, and few could deny his further improvement this year with a greater understanding of his teammates.
Saad’s value in attack is so high that it’s easy to forget the fact that he is indeed a defender first, always set out to quash his opponent’s influence on the game and often taking on the opposition’s most dangerous forwards.
It is something he does as equally well as his textbook energetic and slingshot-like offence, performing as a competitive beast both in the air and on the ground, with his speed proving vital in closing down his opponents.
Speedy Saad!#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/fO01OPzAR5
— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2019
Arguably one of the league’s most exciting players to watch, the speedster is more than just flashy and has genuine claims to be the club’s most valuable player as a real barometer, lifting the side around him.
Having proven himself as a strong vote-getter in last year’s count, Saad could be right in the finish at the Crichton Medal this time around.
SEASON AVERAGES
Disposals: 17.6
Disposal efficiency: 80.2%
Intercept possessions: 6.2
Rebound 50s: 4.7
Tackles: 3.4
CLUB RANKING (AVE. PER GAME)
2nd – Running bounces (2.3), disposals efficiency
3rd – Rebound 50s
4th – Metres gained (361.1), intercept possessions
The Bombers look brilliant when they move it quickly!
— AFL (@AFL) September 5, 2019
Saad has his second! #AFLEaglesDons #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/bFOUrhDTDa
TOP THREE PERFORMANCES
Round 13 vs Hawthorn
Saad and his partner in crime Conor McKenna were at their damaging best against the Hawks after the bye, feeding off each other’s energy and countering every opposing move to turn defence into attack with scintillating speed.
Saad was brilliant going forward with 20 disposals, 457 metres gained, three inside 50s and a memorable first senior goal in the red and black (see below), while his defensive output was also massive with 12 intercept possessions, six one percenters, five rebound 50s and four spoils.
Round 17 vs North Melbourne
Saad had an uncharacteristically sluggish start against the Roos in round 17, with his very first disposal coming with just 12 minutes remaining in the first half. But rather than letting disappointment take over himself, he responded sensationally.
Saad absolutely dominated the rest of the game – particularly in the testing last few minutes of the nail-biting game – to finish up with 22 disposals, nine contested possessions, nine intercept possessions, 579 metres gained, eight inside 50s (career high) and five rebound 50s.
Round 22 vs Fremantle
There was plenty on the line in the penultimate round against Fremantle and Saad led the way for the Bombers at Optus Stadium, tearing the Dockers apart with his elite speed and skill.
He was typically strong in both attack and defence, claiming 27 disposals (career high) at 88.9 per cent efficiency, 10 rebound 50s (career high), 505 metres gained, six intercept possessions, six running bounces, four score involvements and three clearances.
The Crichton Medal will be held at The Plenary on Tuesday, October 1. Click on the image below to secure your tickets.