2011 VFL Fothergill-Round Medallist Ahmed Saad will become a Saint in 2012 after being prelisted by St Kilda in trade week.
The 22 year old Northern Bullants speedster – who kicked 50 goals this season in the Peter Jackson VFL as a small forward – impressed last week at the NAB AFL Draft combine, featuring in the top 10 in four of the eight tests. Saad improved his game this year after his debut senior season in 2010 produced 23 goals from 15 games.
Saad – the son of Egyptian parents - becomes the fifth Fothergill-Round Medallist in a row to be drafted to the AFL (12th since 1989), following on from Shane Valenti (Sandringham to Melbourne 2007), Robin Nahas (Port Melbourne to Richmond 2008), Michael Barlow (Werribee Tigers to Fremantle 2009) and Michael Hibberd (Frankston to Essendon 2010).
The Fothergill-Round Medal – named after Des Fothergill and Barry Round who are the only two players to win both the J.J. Liston Trophy (VFL B&F) and Brownlow Medal - is awarded to the most promising young talent in the VFL each year.
Saad’s coach this year at the Northern Bullants Darren Harris was pleased he has been given a chance on an AFL list, and thinks he will benefit from being in the AFL system.
“From a Bullants’ perspective we are wrapped that a player has been drafted from our system.
“He has had a very good year, kicking 50 goals and he has been very consistent,” Harris said.
“I think once he is in the system and training as a full time footballer, he will benefit a lot, and it should bring out a lot of upside and positives from him in the system.
“He has the speed and skill, and within the system he will learn the work ethic that is required which will be great for him.”
Saad became a Saint under AFL draft rules, where GWS are able to exchange any player who had previously nominated for a draft. The prelisting deal sees Saad and Port Magpies Terry Milera head to St Kilda with pick 25, with GWS receiving pick 20 from St Kilda.
Last Modified on 13/10/2011 12:02