St Kilda will only re-draft Ahmed Saad is deemed physically, mentally ready for return

ST KILDA could revive Ahmed Saad’s career at the draft but only if it deems him physically and mentally ready for an AFL return.

Ahmed Saad The Sunday Herald Sun Picture:Wayne Ludbey Story Sam Landsberger

ST KILDA has discussed reviving Ahmed Saad’s career but will only re-draft the small forward if it deems him physically and mentally ready for an AFL return.

The Saints finalised their plans for Thursday’s AFL draft in a high-powered meeting last week and confirmed Saad was a chance to return to Seaford in 2015, when his 18-month suspension for taking a banned drug expires.

But with St Kilda’s last pick at the national draft at No.41, a selection chief operating officer Ameet Bains said was “possibly” too high to activate on the 25-year-old, Saad’s best hope might be as a rookie.

The Saints will use four rookie selections on December 3, with one reserved for veteran Adam Schneider and delisted trio Jared Petrenko, Shaun McKernan (both Adelaide) and Jeremy Taylor (Gold Coast) hoping to win second lifelines.

Saad has been in regular contact with Saints player welfare manager Tony Brown and Bains and is in prime physical condition.

Ahmed Saad wants to return to the AFL after an 18-month drugs ban.

He is completing an intensive personal training program devised by former Magpie Adam Iacobucci.

“He’s someone we valued pretty highly,” Bains said.

“We didn’t make any firm commitments to him. We told him that closer to the draft we needed to get an understanding of how you’re placed physically and mentally and whether you’re up for the AFL battle after having spent so much time out of the game.

“He had a disappointing second year, the old cliche of second-year blues, but he kicked almost 30 goals in his first year of AFL as a small forward, which was very impressive.

“He did the wrong thing and through really unfortunate circumstances he was penalised for it and to his credit he’s worked really hard away from the club and away from organised sport to keep himself fit and in shape.”

St Kilda could re-draft Ahmed Saad after Terry Milera quit the club. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Saad has nominated for the draft and is eligible to be taken by any club.

His ASADA sanction does not end until February, although incoming WADA legislation means he is likely to be able to start pre-season with an AFL club on January 1.

Former Saints coach Scott Watters said this year Saad deserved a second chance.

“Ahmed’s potentially a 30-40 goal forward who’s very quick and when on his game also applies terrific pressure,” Watters said.

“He made an honest error of judgment and deserves a second chance.”

Saad was slugged the penalty after testing positive to a banned stimulant he consumed pre-game last year as part of an energy drink.

“I want another AFL chance pretty bad,” Saad told the Herald Sun in July, breaking his silence.

“Even more than what I did at the start and I’m going to do everything I can. I’m going to train, put in the hard work and hope a club gives me another shot.”

Saad slotted 45 goals from 29 AFL games in 2012-13 after being recruited from VFL club Northern Bullants.

Originally published as St Kilda will only re-draft Ahmed Saad is deemed physically, mentally ready for return