ADAM Saad is more known for his cheek rather than his extroverted emotion around the traps at IKON Park — and, clearly, amongst family and friends.

It’s why he admitted that his celebration on the final siren of Carlton’s win against Collingwood surprised even those closest to him.

Broadcast cameras picked up Saad’s reaction when the Blues prevailed over the Pies just shy of a fortnight ago, with the All Australian asked by Channel 9 about that very instance.

“My friends and my family messaged me that. I think people were surprised . . . beating the top team is exciting,” Saad said.

01:49

"It's about creating inner-role models": Saad on Pathways program

Adam Saad spoke about the Adam Saad Pathways program as well as the continued success of Carlton, courtesy of Channel 9.

“I love playing footy, being an AFL player — I’m just so grateful to be here.”

Saad’s mantra in recent weeks - as it has been with the team - has been about stripping the game back and nailing the fundamentals. 

Drawing on the message given to him by his first captain in the AFL back on the Gold Coast (who just so happens to be one of the greatest to ever do it), Saad said he hoped it would continue to hold the Blues in good stead.

It’s a Carlton side which Saad - a key part of a defensive group ranked No.1 for points against in the last two months - maintains is still chasing the best version it can possibly be.

“Gary Ablett always used to say do the basics well, over and over again. That’s what we try doing, that’s what I try doing with my game: hit the kicks, be efficient with the footy,” he said.

“We’re not the end product. We’re going to keep building our connection and getting better, both as a [defensive] line group and as a team as well.”

While that’s the on-field, Saad is also continuing to better himself off of it, with the Adam Saad Pathways once again in full swing. 

Adam Saad at the Adam Saad Pathways Girls Academy Session last month.

With the girls program just having wrapped up and the boys now getting going, Saad said he’d continue to brave even the wintry Melbourne nights to help guide the next generation to a better future.

“The whole aim of it is to help create role models in respective households and the community.

“The footy side is fun . . . but not when it’s cold and windy out there.”