Adam Saad feels so ingrained at the Blues, you can be forgiven for forgetting he’s at his third AFL club.
It’s probably because the ex-Sun and Bomber has grown into such an important player at Carlton and cult hero, typified by the thunderous ‘woof!’ from fans whenever he kicks the ball on that raking left foot.
But you were quickly reminded of his previous allegiance when Saad was treated to boos by Bombers supporters on Sunday night in the old rivals’ showdown at the MCG.
Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
That unique contrast of boos and ‘woof!’ added to the theatre that was the King’s Birthday Eve clash as Carlton prevailed by 26 points in front of over 88,000 fans at the MCG to leapfrog in second place on the ladder.
And despite the need to focus on the task at hand in the big occasion, Saad admits there were times where it was hard to ignore the booming crowd.
“I try to stay focused, but the crowd is unbelievable – boos and the ‘woof!’ – it’s good to have that at the footy,” Saad told foxfooty.com.au post-match.
“I thank the fans for embracing me and giving me something like the ‘woof!’. It’s pretty special … it’s always nice to get a win on the big occasion.”
A big occasion it was — the biggest showdown between the two Victorian powerhouses since Saad’s trade from Essendon four years ago — sensationally departing alongside Joe Daniher and current Blue Orazio Fantasia.
What a difference four years can make though, with the Bombers coming off their own big recruiting spree and under Brad Scott arguably in the strongest position they’ve been in the best part of two decades.
As much as Saad tries to treat playing Essendon as another match, the 29-year old acknowledged it does feel different.
“I always get a bit nervous, it was a part of my journey, but I try and take it as another game,” he said.
“It’s always a big occasion playing against the old team.”
Dusty embraced by Richmond’s 300 club | 01:24
Saad said he has “nothing but respect” for his former club and ex-teammates and “had great relationships” during his time at Tullamarine.
“It’s good (to see Essendon doing well), it’s obviously nice to see the big clubs in the top half of the ladder,” he said.
“They’re playing some very good footy and I’m sure we’re going to see them in September.”
Saad, just like wen he arrived as Ikon Park at the end of 2020, has had a key impact behind the ball for Michael Voss’ since returning from a five-week hamstring injury in Round 11 including being the fourth-highest rated player on the ground against Essendon.
His return has coincided with three-straight Blues wins to see the club climb into second place on the ladder and emerge as arguably the biggest threat to Sydney in the premiership race.
A fair disparity to this time 12 months ago. The Blues fell to Essendon by 34 points in the corresponding fixture to sit as low as 15th before going on that epic run in the second half of the season.
Voss’ side, which has a bye this week, is playing with more substance in 2024 though and looks the full package.
“This time last year we’d lost six in a row,” Saad recounted.
“Just going to keep sticking to the process and enjoying the journey. We’re not the finished product, so we’re going to try and keep getting better and maturing as a group.
“I feel like we do (deserve to be second). We’re building a very strong brand and trying to stay connected and celebrate all the little things.
“We’re not going to sit on our backsides, we’re going to keep getting better and improving because it’s a very even competition.”