Saad Saad signs for Kyabram District league club Avenel

A country footy legend is returning to the Goulburn Valley for the second half of the season after a stint in the EDFL. Here’s where he’ll be playing.

Saad Saad has signed for Avenel in the KDL. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin.

Kyabram District league defenders beware.

Country footy legend Saad Saad is back in the Goulburn Valley.

Saad, who kicked almost 900 goals for Seymour during his time in the Goulburn Valley league, has signed for Avenel for the remainder of the season.

He crosses from Sunbury in the Essendon District league having played two games this season, kicking eight goals.

Avenel playing coach Kasey Duncan said he was looking forward to pulling on the same colours as Saad having done so previously at Seymour.

“We’re really excited to have Saad on-board,” he said.

“Everyone knows how much talent he has and despite being a bit older now he still makes defenders panic with his smarts.

“He knows a few boys at the club and wanted the opportunity to play with them again.

“We’ve put in his clearance to Sunbury so we’re hoping to have him available this weekend.”

Saad was a champion for Seymour. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin.

Saad’s arrival adds another dimension to an Avenel forward line which many believe is the best in the competition.

But Duncan said he is yet to have fielded the group at its strongest for a variety of reasons.

“I’m fortunate as a coach to have a group where anyone can kick a few goals on their day,” he said.

“Jake Anderson has been super impressive since crossing from Seymour but we’ll still miss him for another week due to suspension.

“Hayden Heta has played his first two senior games after the break and he’s really starting to find his feet for us. Saad is just going to give our midfielders another option to look for.

“It’s going to be exciting to see how the connection develops in the coming weeks.”

Saad’s arrival is just the latest big name arrival to the competition before the clearance deadline on June 30.

Nagambie has lured former Geelong big man Mark Blake and ex-Western Bulldogs rookie Jamason Daniels from other country leagues.

While other ex-AFL footballers Brett Deledio (Girgarre) and Daniel Harris (Rushworth) have also been cleared to their respective clubs.

“The top end talent we have in the competition is fantastic,” Duncan said.

“I think the reduction in salary caps across the region has helped clubs to recruit players who might have a bigger name which has been great for us.

“We look forward to the challenge of playing against those guys.

“Later in the year we’re going to see some really exciting contests when everyone is at their best.”

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