Star backman Adam Saad says he is honoured to represent Victoria and play a part in next week’s State of Origin for Bushfire Relief match against the All Stars.

Funds raised from the special clash at Marvel Stadium will be directed to communities affected by the recent fires that devastated Australia and Saad is thrilled to contribute to the cause.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be representing your state on such a big occasion,” Saad said on Tuesday.

“The reasoning behind why the game is even there in the first place – to raise funds and help the families and communities that are affected by the bushfires – it’s a great cause.

“For the whole AFL community to come together is amazing. If we can just make a small impact on their lives and put a smile on their face and help support them through these tough times, it’s a big reason why I wanted to hopefully put on the Big V and play in this game.”

Saad has never represented his state at any level having been overlooked as a junior before being drafted by Gold Coast off the back of brilliant form for Coburg in the VFL.

He said he is “very, very excited” to be named in the star-studded line-up and join forces with some of the league’s best players including close friend Bachar Houli.

“I’ve never represented my state, Victoria. Coming through the VFL ranks I never had the chance even at under-18 level.

“To pull on the jumper next week and play for your state, it’s an amazing feeling – even to play alongside my brother Bachar Houli and play alongside each other on the half-back flanks.

“It’s going to be a different vibe not playing with my teammates like every week at Essendon, but it’s a good opportunity for us to get to know players from other teams and represent our state.

“Hopefully it’s a good contest and we can raise some money and help the families in need.”

Known for his exhilarating run-and-gun play off half-back, Saad is hopeful Victorian coach Damien Hardwick will allow him the freedom to take the game on.

And despite being named on the back pocket, the speedster has his eyes on the scoreboard after breaking through for three sensational goals in the red and black last year.

“I’m not really sure what my role is, but hopefully I can take the ball under my arm, take a few bounces, run down the win and who knows? Kick a goal – I love kicking a goal, I kicked a couple last year.

“I’m actually really excited, I can’t wait for next week.”

The first bounce is set for 7:50pm on Friday, February 28. You can see the full teams below.

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