Carlton and Collingwood could stead Ahmed Saad from under St Kilda’s nose at AFL Draft

CARLTON and Collingwood have expressed interest in suspended ex-Saint Ahmed Saad and could trump St Kilda for his services.

Collingwood v St Kilda. MCG. Ahmed Saad goals from outside 50

POWER clubs Carlton and Collingwood have expressed interest in suspended ex-Saint Ahmed Saad and could trump St Kilda in securing his services.

St Kilda is still weighing up their interest in Saad, who can only start training in January as he serves an 18-month drug ban.

They are more likely to move on Saad in the rookie draft given their picks tap out at pick 41, but they aren’t the only contenders for his services.

Saad is understood to have met Collingwood with Carlton also interested in meeting its needs for a small forward.

The Pies will not take Saad in Thursday night’s draft but could consider him in next week’s rookie draft if their small forward needs are not met tonight.

St Kilda will likely rookie Ahmed Saad if he isn’t already taken.

The Pies have exciting small forward Jamie Elliott and flanker Alex Fasolo to fill their attacking needs but Saad believes he is a chance to get to the Westpac Centre.

The Blues have lost Jeff Garlett to Melbourne after the departure of Eddie Betts to Adelaide last year and also want Troy Menzel to pinch-hit in the midfield.

Both those clubs could overlook Saad or consider him in the rookie draft but at least he has some live chances as he seeks to continue his career.

St Kilda’s chief operating officer Ameet Bains confirmed there was rival interest in Saad, who took a banned substance contained in an energy drink.

“There has been interest in him from other clubs which he and his manager have been quite candid about,’’ he said.

“I will be quite hopeful that he gets an opportunity somewhere. We are obviously strongly considering him.

“We certainly haven’t ruled out the prospect of taking him in this draft. If not (we would consider him) as a rookie.”

St Kilda will have a battery of recruiters at the Gold Coast draft but Sydney recruiting boss Kinnear Beatson will not even attend the event.

He has been laid low after back surgery, with his assistants Michael Agresta and Rick Barham to choose the best player available on their list at pick 37.

The Swans have only pick after taking three Swans Academy selections, with Essendon recruiter Adrian Dodoro only just making it to the draft despite a back injury that needs surgery.

Originally published as Carlton and Collingwood could stead Ahmed Saad from under St Kilda’s nose at AFL Draft