ADAM Saad’s first game of football is etched in his memory bank for all the wrong reasons.
When he was six or seven he and some mates joined up with Coburg Cougars. It was an experience he still remembers.
“In my first game, I got the ball and got scared so I just threw it away and ran away,” he laughed.
It’s been all blue skies since then for the son of Lebanese parents who migrated to Melbourne where they’ve raised their six children.
Saad, a Lebanese Muslim, can boast several firsts.
He may be the only Peter Jackson VFL Listed player still at school – he’s doing Year 12 at Brunswick Secondary College – and he’s already played for the World team at the AFL Under 16 Championships.
Included in the World Team was current Coburg teammate Omar Abdullah.
From his junior club – West Coburg – Saad played inter-league games, which drew him an invitation to the Simon Madden squad for Under 16 & 17s at TAC Cup club Calder Cannons.
From as far back as he can remember, Australian Rules was a staple of family life.
“I’ve always loved footy. My dad was always watching it,” Saad said.
Saad's two younger brothers also play Australian Rules. "They love it, too," he said.
He said his immediate family coupled with his uncles and his cousins all come to watch him whenever possible.
“I’ve got my own cheer squad,” Saad laughed.
Saad held aspirations of being selected in one of the AFL Drafts, but when he didn't he decided the VFL was the best pathway for him to gain a second chance.
Initially, Saad trained with Essendon's VFL club, before choosing to join Coburg.
After playing the maximum three games as the 23rd player, Saad has earned a further two games on his merit.
He has set himself the target of 10 games before the season is over. He knows there is much hard work ahead, but the apprentice electrician knows what it is like to roll up his sleeves.
"I've got a taste of it, hopefully there is more to come," Saad said.
"AFL is the best game in the world, I reckon. It is so multicultural these days, it's great.
"When I played in the World Team there was people from New Zealand, Canada, Africa, people from everywhere.
"It's a big honor to play for Coburg, it’s a big honor to play footy – it’s a game with no boundaries."
Last Modified on 10/07/2013 16:48
