Mature-aged rookie tales are part of football folklore. They embody everything that’s great about our game. Typically, they involve a group of players who, for one reason or another, have been cast aside; thrown on the scrap heap because of one deficiency or another. Adam Saad is a member of this group.
For the last couple of seasons, the boy from the inner-northern Melbourne suburbs has been plying his trade in the Victorian Football League for Coburg. Waiting, wishing, for an opportunity at the elite level. On Sunday, another phase of his dream will be realised when he plays his first game for the Gold Coast SUNS in the NAB Challenge clash against Geelong.
Pre-season appearances aren’t genuine home and away matches, but Saad’s selection suggests the dashing small defender is on the right path towards playing senior football.
The 21-year-old admits the harsh reality of rejection in previous drafts does provide mature-aged recruits with added fuel to carve out a career at the highest level.
“If you miss out two, three, or even probably a year, it just gives you that hunger and obviously you just want to succeed,” Saad told SUNS TV.
“To finally get a chance, you just want to make the most out of the opportunity because you know that it could be over in a year.
“Mature-age rookies, they’re rare, but hopefully it can work out for me this year and I can play as many senior games as I can.”
Since arriving at Metricon Stadium in early December, the classy ball user has noticeably added some weight to his frame.
Saad revealed the intense training environment at the elite level has been difficult to adjust to, but one benefit of becoming a professional athlete has been the addition of strength and power courtesy of putting on weight in the gym.
“Its been pretty tough coming from VFL, the loads and just trying to back it up each day (has been challenging),” Saad said.
“Gaining six to seven kilo’s in the gym has been positive; gaining more strength and power. On the track, when you’re running 10 to 12 km’s every main session its pretty hard to back up.
“It’s going alright, I’m just showing what I can do and hopefully it takes care of itself when games come around.”
Transitioning interstate can be difficult no matter how old you are, but having fellow mature-aged rookie Josh Glenn as a housemate has made the transition that little bit easier.
The pair lives with a host family in Arundel, and given the insecure reality of living on a one-year contract, they can share the trials and tribulations together.
“Coming from similar backgrounds, obviously the SANFL and the VFL, its good to have someone that has a similar journey. He’s a mature age as well, so it’s good to have someone there,” he said.
