Adam Saad on how he prepares physically for matches during Ramadan

Carlton star Adam Saad opens up on his faith, preparing physically to play football in Ramadan and how the league has learned to embrace the holy month.

The preparation started weeks ago for Adam Saad.

Not for the start of the season but for the start of Ramadan.

The Carlton defender will fast for a month starting from Monday, working on a modified program, in which he will wake early to eat and monitor his energy levels.

“Preparations start 4-5 weeks ago, my program changes,” he said.

“My training gets modified just so I am able to perform at my best and train at my best and still have energy.

“It is such a spiritual month and it’s a month that we love doing and going through but I am actually looking forward to it.”

Adam Saad launches Carlton forward. Picture: Michael Klein

The holy month for Muslims has often coincided with an uptick in form for Saad, who has been embraced by his three clubs - Gold Coast, Essendon and Carlton - in each of his nine AFL seasons so far.

While he is performing on the field, he embraces the challenges off it.

“It is mentally challenging but God gives us the strength,” he said.

“When you have the right intention, God makes it easier for you. And it is not just about fasting from food or drink, it is a month to get closer to God and just reflect and try to be a better person, a better Muslim and just to see what the less fortunate in the world go through.

“They have no roof over their head, they have no food or drink, so we just have to appreciate what we have every single day.”

Adam Saad with Hussin Goss, President of the Gold Coast Islamic Society, during his time playing with the Suns. Picture: Adam Head

Adam with members of his family family including Noah 13, Nejme (mum) and Muhammad at the Gold Coast Mosque. Picture: Adam Head

Since Bachar Houli broke ground as a Muslim player in the AFL, Saad said that clubs have “been a lot more educated” about Ramadan.

“I speak to the coaches and the players in the club and they know what it’s about and the way they support me and embrace it has been awesome,” he said.

Saad heads up the Adam Saad Pathways program, helping young Muslims into footy.

“We are running five or six programs now, we just want to give them a pathway and help them become better people and develop them as athletes as well,” he said.

“We feel like we are making a positive impact, which is good and we just want to continue doing that.”

Originally published as Adam Saad on how he prepares physically for matches during Ramadan