Dashing defender Adam Saad has been selected to represent Victoria in the upcoming State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game at Marvel Stadium on Friday, February 28.

The brilliant Bomber was picked by Victorian coach Damien Hardwick following another sensational season in the red and black, which culminated in a third-place finish in the Crichton Medal.

While known for his entertaining attacking prowess driving the ball out of the backline, Saad’s defensive work was equally impressive in 2019 as he continued to stake his claim as one of the league’s best small defenders.

His cleanliness in traffic and ability to work his way out of trouble were again key features of his game and he finished off the season setting personal bests for average disposals (17.6), rebound 50s (4.7), tackles (3.4) and metres gained (352.5).

Saad is sure to provide plenty of spark for the Big V’s powerful defence, lining up within a star-studded backline alongside Darcy Moore, Nick Haynes, Bachar Houli, Mark Blicavs and James Sicily.

Saad and his Victorian teammates will take on an All Stars side made up of some of the league’s best players from across the remaining states and territories.

Funds raised from the historic game will be directed to communities affected by the recent fires that ravaged much of the country with the assistance of the league’s new governance committee chaired by Essendon President Lindsay Tanner.

STATE OF ORIGIN FOR BUSHFIRE RELIEF TEAMS

Victoria

B - James Sicily, Mark Blicavs, Adam Saad

HB - Bachar Houli, Darcy Moore, Nick Haynes

C - Josh Kelly, Dustin Martin, Lachie Whitfield

HF - Shaun Higgins, Jeremy Cameron, Robbie Gray

F - Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Lynch, Toby Greene

R - Todd Goldstein, Marcus Bontempelli, Trent Cotchin

Interchange - Rory Sloane, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Macrae, Tom Papley, Ben Cunnington, Jake Lloyd, Jade Gresham, Stefan Martin

All Stars

B - Brad Sheppard, Harris Andrews, Rory Laird

HB - Jason Johannisen, Jeremy Howe, Brodie Smith

C - Isaac Smith, Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill

HF - Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Luke Breust

F - Charlie Cameron, Tom Hawkins, Michael Walters

R - Brodie Grundy, Elliot Yeo, Dayne Zorko

Interchange - Patrick Cripps, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Neale, Neville Jetta, Zach Tuohy, Taylor Walker, Callum Mills, Lachie Weller, Scott Lycett