Surprised there isn't a thread in this section already.

To this point, still not contracted, and apparently Essendon and his management are a fair way apart on terms.

IMO, adding Saad would change our mix considerably. Would mean no more Harmes in the backline, would give us more run and would open up the option of having Salem and/or Rivers having a run further up the ground.

There's other players who could bring that to us as well of course, but Saad is a quality player and would definitely form part of the overall picture of changing our dynamic.

 

https://demonland.com/forums/topic/48326-the-adam-saad-thread/?tab=comments#comment-1824692

I watch a lot of Essendon due to the wife. Has serious ball carrying speed, is a good long and short kick and very rarely loses a contest. If he is any chance should be our number 1 target. 

A huge must need for us.

Reminds me of Bachar Houli with his dash and speed.

Saad is exactly the sort of player we should be targeting. Ane should have been targeting for the last 3-4 years.

It goes without saying if we had had added one above average to elite baller every year of the roos and goodwin era we would be a much better team.

Instead we have focused until last year on inside bulls. And now we routinely lose the contested ball and are 18th in clearances, with the best ruck in the league. Go figure.

We'd have to give up a future first for a B grader. Not sure.

2 minutes ago, adonski said:

We'd have to give up a future first for a B grader. Not sure.

He’s not B grade but he wont cost a future first, If you can convince him and he chooses to leave they will find a way. 

22 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

He’s not B grade but he wont cost a future first, If you can convince him and he chooses to leave they will find a way. 

Are we saying Saad is A grade? Not sure I agree.

Would certainly fit in nicely on our half back flank though. He and Rivers would be handy and might enable Salem to play deeper and use his kicking to exit defence.

He’s an upgrade on Hibberd and Salem in terms of creativity, something we seriously lack. I think he’d probably have them both covered defensively too

26 minutes ago, A F said:

Are we saying Saad is A grade? Not sure I agree.

Would certainly fit in nicely on our half back flank though. He and Rivers would be handy and might enable Salem to play deeper and use his kicking to exit defence.

List for me the best small backs in the league that you would rate higher? 

Edited September 12, 20204 yr by big_red_fire_engine

14 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

List for me the best small backs in the league that you would rate higher? 

For his position he's up there, so I guess by that definition he's A grade, but jeepers, I reckon his defensive capabilities are as limited as Salem's, if not more.

I think he's quicker and takes the game on more than Salem, but he's not a mile ahead of him and I certainly wouldn't have Salem as an A grader.

Edited September 12, 20204 yr by A F

Is the type of player we should be targeting.  Would give us some serious pace and some good kicking skills off half back and through the wings.

However, he is not the most defensive minded player going around, and you have to wonder how that would fit with our back six when you look at how May praised Rivers for working on that aspect of his game.

I worry that we're going to be a 'genuine' small defender short and it'll cost us, and I'm not sure Saad is exactly what we need.  But certainly a player to be interested in.  Both his tackle numbers and his overall consistency are underestimated and speak to a hard working professional, which is always welcome.

Other than that, it's all a matter of budget, because I worry that one trade period hype gets involved with Saad being 'elite in his role' that will turn into having to pay for him like he is 'an elite player' which is all very nuanced, as shown by the debate already in this thread.

The biggest con is having to deal with Essendon. Notoriously difficult to deal with although we did get Hibberd and Melksham from them.

If he's available get him, it's a no brainer. But I doubt he'll leave Essendon won't let him go.

Edited September 13, 20204 yr by Dr. Gonzo

12 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

The biggest con is having to deal with Essendon. Notoriously difficult to deal with although we did get Hibberd and Melksham from them.

If he's available get him, it's a no brainer. But I doubt he'll leave Essendon won't let him go.

it's a myth that they're difficult to deal with

no worse than any other club

1 hour ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

it's a myth that they're difficult to deal with

no worse than any other club

I don't agree with that, Dodoro is pretty notorious for driving a hard bargain. It's the reason the Shiel deal went down to the wire, the reason Daniher didn't go to the Swans etc

Difficult to deal with may be the wrong term but I'd say we would end up paying more than what he is worth if we wanted to get him

Even if they are difficult to deal with, think past dealings with Hib/Melk were favorable to both parties so potentially good relationship between the clubs

God. Essendope would be demanding Petracca and 2 first rounders just for this blokes boots. 

Why would we even bother? He has pace but he's a turnover merchant of the highest order.

On 9/14/2020 at 5:01 PM, wizardinoz said:

Why would we even bother? He has pace but he's a turnover merchant of the highest order.

Disagree I suggest he would have a kicking efficiency as good if not better than Salems. 

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2020-essendon-trade-news-adam-saad-contract-joe-daniher-tom-mcdonald/news-story/de50e9c331e2586a4bb16792dd04fa05

Saad would be ok but having to deal with Essendon on a trade I couldn't think of anything worse. Id rather leave it. 

So, is TMac and pick 22 (as it stands currently) a fair price for Saad?

 

3 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

So, is TMac and pick 22 (as it stands currently) a fair price for Saad?

 

Take it and run. Doubt Essendon does it though. 

44 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

So, is TMac and pick 22 (as it stands currently) a fair price for Saad?

 

That was my thinking. But we'd possibly have to pick up 100-200K of TMac salary as well i would have thought. I would still be targeting Zac Williams ahead of Saad though.