Adam Saad has always had one aspiration in life, to play football.
Adam and I being Lebanese Muslims, come from a large family. Some may say it’s a great thing, Adam thinks it’s the best. Adam always wants the loudest cheer, and loves having the family come watch him play.
As I sit down to write this feature piece on my brother, the fascination is great, as his journey has somewhat been my journey. I’ve been on the sidelines cheering him on during every step of his career; and during every step of that career, the good and bad, I’ve always admired my brother. Never did he give up, for giving up is never an option.
Adam started off at our local football club, West Coburg, where he was always known to be ‘the one that runs really fast’. He was then recruited from Calder Cannons where his speed was also the factor that set him apart. His next step was to Coburg Lions, Adam still had that speed factor. Not to say speed is his only asset when playing football, Adam has a range of talents; agility, composure and a great kick and as biased as it may sound, my brother really is something special when it comes to his football.
Whilst playing with Calder Cannons the interest grew, as recruiters were able to witness more of his football ability. As a 17-year- old, Adam knew if he wanted to get drafted, this was the year he had to shine. Adam recorded the fastest time over the 20m dash; his time was in the top two percent in the 19-year history of the draft camp. That itself was an accomplishment; however, the best of Adam that year just wasn’t enough.
Draft day came, Adam wasn’t drafted and off course Adam was torn. It really was shattering to see Adam in the state he was but the rejection was ultimately the biggest motivator. The people that know Adam, know he loves to joke around, loves to take a selfie, thinks he looks like Zayn Malik and has far too much confidence, but jokes aside, Adam loves playing with Coburg Lions.
Adam is “pumped” having Peter German, ‘Germo’, as head coach this year. I asked him what he loved most about the club. “The culture, the relationship between the boys but more importantly, how Coburg feels like home”.
Adam still holds the same aspiration to make it as an AFL player. His aim is to play his role within the club and build his stamina to become an all-round football player.
How does Adam think Coburg will go this year? “As a stand alone club, as a club that’s basically starting up again, we’re not going to win a flag this year. But with Germo as the new coach, new talent in the team, you’re definitely going to see Coburg thrive in the coming years and hopefully winning the flag in a few years”.
Aicha Saad
Last Modified on 03/04/2014 14:51