Ahmed Saad talks premiership success, love for his coach and what’s next
Committed for 2021, West Preston-Lakeside star Ahmed Saad is confident the Roosters can vie for a premiership three-peat and is adamant the club won’t give its rivals such a big headstart in 2021.
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West Preston-Lakeside star Ahmed Saad knows the club has a target on its back but it only increases his drive to win a three-peat premiership.
After starting 0-6, the Roosters came from the clouds – and made history in the process – to claim a second straight flag in 2019.
With the 2020 season cancelled and rival NFL Division 1 clubs lining up for a crack at the champions, a hat-trick looms as a massive challenge.
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However, Saad said it was also a big motivator.
“We’re pretty open about it, it’s something the whole playing group knows and the standard we set,” he said.
“We want success and that’s why I like the footy club, you want to play for fun but I think most people want to win as well.
“We know a lot of clubs are going to be after us like they have the last couple of years and hopefully we start stronger than what we did last year and not give them such a big head start.”
And the goal machine has a secret weapon to make sure he’s ready for the new season.
“I have a little set-up in the garage but the main thing keeping me fit is my nearly three-year-old son,” Saad said.
“He’s bouncing off the walls, he’s definitely keeping me active, so if I come back extra fit that’s why.
Saad has certainly made the most of his three seasons at Moore Park.
Alongside Nathan Valladares, he co-captained the back-to-back premierships.
He’s kicked 231 goals in 54 matches, claimed the Division 1 goalkicking award in 2017 and 2019 and been named in the Team of the Year in each season.
Success has certainly played a part in keeping him in red, white and blue but it all started with a phone call from coach Rob Maiorana.
“He’s a great coach, a great person, cares about you more than just as a player,” Saad said.
“He’s really big on culture and building something outside the playing field and he’s always been like that.
“I had a relationship with him from when I played at the Northern Bullants before I got drafted.
“When he got approached (by WPL) he gave me a call … he asked if I’d go with him and start at a club and build something special.
“I absolutely love the place, they’ve been really good to me, so I don’t really think about leaving. I’d like to stay there hopefully the rest of my career.”
Having spent three years at St Kilda and successful stints at VFL clubs Northern Bullants and Coburg – where he won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal and Frosty Miller Medal respectively – Saad feels it’s time to give back.
“I just turned 31 a couple of weeks ago but I feel a lot younger,” he said.
“I love playing, I’m a pretty competitive person, and I’m hoping there’s a fair few more goals left in me to help the boys and help the team get that three-peat.
“I’ll do my best to drive that success and help as many young players as I can.
“I didn’t play in the system for a long time but I’ve been through it at VFL and AFL level and if I can pass on my knowledge to fast track these guys that will be a positive.”