ADAM Saad doesn’t deny that preparation from a football perspective during the holy month of Ramadan is a challenge.

But as Thursday night once again proved, it’s not only a challenge which he accepts, it’s one he relishes.

Ramadan started early last week, a month which Saad told Channel 7 that Muslims “love and look forward to every single year”.

With 2024 marking a decade in the AFL for Saad, he’s had the chance to perfect what works for him, working closely with the Club’s high performance team — and the results speak for themselves.

“I’ve been doing it for 10 years now, and I feel like I’ve got it down pat,” Saad said in Thursday night’s half-time feature.

“My program changes a fair bit. My training loads get modified, I do weight after I break fast after sunset. My attention to detail with the way I prepare during the week just has to be spot on.

“Recovery starts straight after the game. We get up at maybe 4:30 in the morning to have brekky, so we can last the whole day.”

Saad has often said that he feels as though his game lifts up a notch during Ramadan, and the evidence provided on Thursday night would suggest nothing to the contrary.

In 2023, he polled three Brownlow votes when the Blues beat reigning premiers Geelong in Round 2 in the first days of Ramadan, and he backed that up again on Thursday night, racking up 24 disposals and 524 metres gained in the five-point win.

“It’s a month I look forward to. I feel like my form gets better during the month — sometimes I wish it went for longer!

“It’s challenging, mentally challenging, but God gives us the strength to go out there and do the best we can.”

He finished off his starring role on Thursday night with a message to all those watching on.

“Ramadan Mubarak to the Muslims all around the world.

“Alhumdulillah, which means praise to God. We’re very fortunate to be going through the month.”