NFL grand final: Ahmed Saad wins first flag with West Preston-Lakeside
AFTER three grand final losses during his career, Ahmed Saad was never going to miss out on the chance to win a maiden premiership with West Preston-Lakeside.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AHMED Saad was never going to miss out.
After three grand final losses during his career, the ex-St Kilda small forward overcame a hamstring injury to feature in West Preston-Lakeside’s victory over Macleod on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: ROOSTERS REIGN SUPREME ON BIG STAGE
KOVACEVIC’S LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY ENDS WITH MEDAL
WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE’S BLUEPRINT REAPS REWARDS
Doubt surrounded Saad’s involvement in the lead-up, however any concerns were allayed by quarter-time of the Division 1 decider when he had kicked two goals.
The 28-year-old finished with two majors in his first appearance on the big stage since he was a member of the Northern Bullants team which lost the 2010 VFL grand final.
“I wouldn’t say I am close to 100 per cent, but I was good enough to get out there and try to contribute as much as I could,” Saad said.
“I just wanted to be a part of it with the boys and I am glad we got the chocolates at the end.”
Saad has been a revelation since arriving at J.E Moore Park after a stint with Coburg, kicking 140 goals in 32 games during the past two Northern Football League seasons.
There were fears he would be ruled out of the decider when he was injured in the opening quarter of the preliminary final, but he recovered in time to be part of the Roosters team which triumphed 11.12 (78) to 9.15 (69).
“I played in three (grand finals) and I lost all three,” Saad said.
“One of them was a senior grand final and the other two were local at my junior footy club. “No matter what level you play, it is pretty special. Nothing can take that away from us.”
On-baller Ozgur Uysal was the hardluck story of the grand final, unable to prove his fitness after also sustaining a hamstring injury in the preliminary final victory over North Heidelberg.
Saad said his belief in West Preston-Lakeside’s premiership credentials never wavered after it went down by 32 points in the qualifying final against the Bulldogs.
“We came home strong and we are pretty confident in our fitness and our players,” he said. “To win and win like that in a close game is unbelievable.”
MORE LOCAL FOOTY
VERMONT ROMPS TO EASTERN FL FLAG
Dual flag Cat, ex-Pies livewire light up local footy carnival
A two-time premiership Cat and a ex-Collingwood favourite were in action as players from across the state locked horns in a First Nations sports carnival.
‘Going for some elite talent’: AFL utility joins Castlemaine
Castlemaine has already signed two star recruits, including a former GWS Giant, but coach Michael Hartley feels he is “talking to most of Victoria” to add more names.