Dashing Essendon defender Adam Saad will join his third AFL club after nominating Carlton as his target of choice.
Important points:
- The Bombers offered Adam Saad a lucrative deal, but he has told the club that he wants to join Carlton
- Adrian Dodoro, recruiting manager for Bomber, says the club has an “expectation of compelling compensation” for Saad
- Conor McKenna has already left Essendon, while Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia’s future remains unclear
Saad, who has played 61 games for the Bombers after 48 games on the Gold Coast, has no longer a contract and is informing Essendon of his wish to leave.
The 26-year-old has averaged a career high of 18.9 per game departures this season despite the shortened length of play, and his likely exit is another major blow to Essendon’s hopes of a bad 2020.
The bombers have already lost their colleague Conor McKenna to the resignation, while free agent Joe Daniher and striker Orazio Fantasia could also be on the move.
Daniher is closely associated with the Brisbane Lions, while Fantasia could return to South Australia despite a contract for 2021.
Saad is expected to enter into a five-year deal with Carlton, provided a deal can be made with Essendon.
The bombers are likely to call for Carlton’s draft pick for the first round.
“We made a significant offer to Adam and we are disappointed with his decision to pursue a playful future elsewhere,” said Essendon’s recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro
“While we wish Adam well, he is not a free agent and so an appropriate deal must come from Carlton. There is clearly an expectation of compulsory compensation for a player of Adam’s caliber.”
Saad’s decision is another big boost for the Blues, which also attracted GWS free agent Zac Williams.
Meanwhile, Jackson Hately is the youngest player to be eliminated from the Giants. The midfielder asks Adelaide for a deal.
Hately was voted 14th in the 2018 draft and is determined to return to his home state. He has chosen the Crows as his desired club.
AAP
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