AFL: Essendon debutant Saad El-Hawli’s rise from WFNL to Marvel Stadium

Saad El-Hawli’s former local footy coach will never forget his first impression of the Essendon debutant. From his breakout game, positional switches and the training drill named after him, this is his journey.

Saad El-Hawli will make his Essendon debut on Thursday night. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.

Former Altona coach Corey McCall will never forget his first impression of Saad El-Hawli.

Appointed as the Western Football Netball League club’s new coach for 2020, McCall met a bright and bubbly youngster who had just finished a season with the Western Jets where he had played 12 games.

El-Hawli tried for a VFL list spot but missed out. Five years later, he’s set to make his Essendon debut, almost 12 months after being selected in the AFL Mid-Season Draft following dominant form for the Northern Bullants.

His former coach isn’t surprised he’ll run out onto Marvel Stadium against Port Adelaide on Thursday night.

“You could tell he was extremely driven,” McCall said.

“He had been in and out of the Jets side and they gave us an idea of his weapons and room for improvement. Saady is a sponge, he is always seeking feedback, always seeking to get better.

“Whatever we did at training he wanted to be the best at, he would dominate.

“There was one drill we had to rename the Saady Drill. He was outnumbered by defenders and would always manage to mark the footy.

“He’s as loyal as they come, just a pleasure to coach.”

Pure gratitude for Saady 🫶

Our newest debutant on how family, faith + persistence paved the way to his first AFL game.

— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 26, 2025

With the 2020 footy season cancelled due to Covid, McCall waited a year to see the type of talent he had on his hands.

The former Vikings mentor will never forget El-Hawli’s “breakout” game against competition powerhouse Deer Park.

“He kicked five goals and was the best player on the ground,” McCall recalled.

“Winning clearances, taking one-handed marks, he was great overhead. You could see the real point of differences he had to others out on the ground.”

The ex-Newport and Spotswood junior finished the Covid shortened 2021 season with 26 goals in 12 games. His form saw him earn a place on Werribee’s VFL list for the next season.

He debuted in Round 1 against Frankston, going onto play in the first month of the season, but wouldn’t be cited at state level again until Round 20.

McCall said El-Hawli displayed “great attitude” and continued to improve his game, playing a key role in Altona’s 2022 premiership.

The next season, El-Hawli moved to the Northern Bullants where his stocks continued to rise for the next 18 months.

Saad El-Hawli in action for Altona. Picture: Local Legends Photography

“We initially had played him as a mid-forward but we threw him across halfback in 2022,” McCall said.

“We thought with his foot skills, he could be a weapon across half back and help us with the transition out of defence.

“We encouraged him to push further up the ground and deliver the ball inside 50.

“He always relished the role you gave him, there was never an issue about taking on something different.”

And with the Bombers under pressure heading into the clash with Port, don’t be surprised if the debutant makes an impact.

“If anyone watched the Division 1 finals a couple of years ago, they’ll know what impact he can have in the big moments,” McCall said.

“This opportunity is a massive reward for effort.”

Originally published as AFL: Essendon debutant Saad El-Hawli’s rise from WFNL to Marvel Stadium