THE Carlton Football Club is pleased to confirm Adam Saad has joined the Blues. 

The Club has secured the 26-year-old as well as picks No.48 and No.78 in exchange for picks No.8 and No.87 in the upcoming 2020 NAB AFL Draft after finalising a trade with Essendon during the 2020 AFL Trade Period.   

One of the best small defenders in the game, Saad will bring an immediate injection of breathtaking speed, elite ball-use and proven defensive brilliance – the perfect fit for Carlton’s attacking, fast ball-movement under Senior Coach David Teague.  

Another outstanding season of consistency saw Saad finish 2020 inside the top 10 in the competition for metres gained, while going above 80 per cent for disposal efficiency. 

He also conceded less than a goal against per game, performing lock-down roles on some of the AFL’s most dangerous small forwards in Tom Papley, Liam Ryan and Dan Butler, who were kept to just one goal apiece against him.  

Saad also arrives at Ikon Park on the back of three consecutive top four finishes in the Bombers’ best and fairest. 

After missing just one game in his last four seasons, Saad already has 109 games under his belt, bringing valuable experience to the Blues’ back half.  

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Carlton faithful can expect the speedster to bring excitement in the Navy Blue in 2021. 

“To have a player and person of Adam’s quality nominate and ultimately join our football club is a great sign of the environment we are building here,” Austin said. 

“Few in the competition are better to watch when in full flight than Adam and we can’t wait to see his electrifying pace added to our backline which will be really exciting for our members and supporters. 

“In addition to his attacking qualities, Adam has shown a consistent ability to shut opponents out of the game and it is that flexibility which will really add to our playing list. He is also coming three consecutive top four finishes in the best and fairest, which shows how much he has been valued by his teammates and coaches. 

“To now have Adam join our football club, in addition to Zac Williams and Lachie Fogarty, sees all three players complement the talent we already have on our list and perfectly aligns with the next step in our list management strategy.”