December 3rd, 2014, will forever be my favourite date as my brother Adam, or as I like to call him, Ads, had finally achieved his dream. Yes, I was extremely sad that I was losing not only my brother but best friend to the SUNS, however, my sadness to see him leave was easily forgotten by the smile and happiness Ads oozed as soon as we all saw his name alongside ‘pick 25’ as a rookie for the Gold Coast SUNS.

Ads always had one dream - to play AFL. I can’t recall a memory, year, or moment where Ads’ dream wasn’t to play footy and I am so ecstatic that he’s finally been given the chance to play the game he absolutely loves.

Ads began playing for our local club West Coburg at a young age and really never looked back. It quickly came evident to not only myself but also others that supported the club that Ads was definitely a natural when it came to football.

He worked hard to be the best footballer he could be, and soon made it into the Calder Cannons side, which ultimately began his football journey. Being a part of the Calder side was a huge privilege to Ads as he was wary of the possible outcome if he excelled during his final year as a TAC player, and to be brutally honest, we all thought 2012 was Ads’ year.


Saad (#42) during his Calder Cannons days.

I remember all the good memories of 2012 so clearly. Watching all his games, watching him grow more focused and determined to reach his dream, calling him up while he was at the combine but ultimately I remember the worst part of 2012 so vividly - draft day.

We all thought Ads was definitely getting drafted that year as his final year was one of his best. As draft day arrived and he wasn’t chosen, it was devastating to say the least. I remember him saying, “I’m going to make it, watch me”, and to be honest, I was so devastated for him; I didn’t believe him until the next morning. I woke up at 6:30am and saw him putting his runners on, getting his training gear on and walking out the door to go for a run and I knew then that nothing was getting in his way of one day playing AFL football.

He’s always said he couldn’t dwell on the fact he wasn’t drafted that year but instead he had to move forward and be better pretty quickly. He signed on with the Coburg Lions in 2013 when they were affiliated with Richmond and knew he wasn’t getting drafted that year.

2014 will always be the year everything changed. Coburg were finally a standalone club and Ads saw it as an opportunity to be a better footballer under the instructions of Peter German, who he has the utmost respect for, as well as GM Craig Lees. They both sold the idea that Coburg was going to be different, better and more united which they definitely were. Ads started off playing as a centre, sometimes forward, but decided playing half-back was going to do wonders for him and it did.


Adam Saad in action for Coburg, floating across the half-back line.

Ads really had a stellar year this year with Coburg, and through it all he’s become much more focused, determined and stronger both mentally and physically to become a better version of himself not only as a footballer but also as a person.

Draft day this year was tough; I was there every step of the way and knew the clubs he spoke to, the feelings he was having and how important making it was to him this year. He wasn’t chosen in the National Draft and hid his disappointment really well, but was optimistic that maybe someone in the Rookie Draft would give him a chance to play out his dream.

December 3rd finally arrived and we were all nervous. Some of us were at work, some at school and some with Ads but we all had one thing on our minds: was today the day?

IT WAS! I have never seen Ads so happy in my life; he was so incredibly wrapped and grateful that he’d finally been given the chance to fulfill his dream to play football.

As soon as I finished work, I ran home and jumped into his arms and he whispered to me “I cannot believe it, It’s finally happening”. You’ll all soon realize how dedicated, humble and extremely funny Ads is; he’s extremely committed to being the best footballer he can be, but also the funniest guy I know and definitely my role model.

After getting over the initial excitement of him finally being drafted, saying goodbye was bittersweet. We quickly planned a small going away surrounded by family, friends, and all the boys from Coburg who Ads considers family and the night was full of love, support, well-wishes, and sadness but more importantly we all have never been more proud to see Ads succeed in fulfilling his dream.

Coming from a Muslim background, and having another draftee that is Muslim is so fantastic to see as it gives hope to the younger aspiring footballers. Ads, Bachar Houli and Ahmed Saad are great examples for the Muslim boys, proving that it can happen; you just have to believe and work hard. ‘Never give up’ is what Ads would say to anyone that aspires to play football, to always put in 100% and never choose to give up because it can happen.

Before he left he told me, “This is it, the hard work starts now and I’m so ready”.

I have no doubt in my mind he’s ready, and we all can’t wait to be apart of his football journey.