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Essendon’s Adam Saad informs club he wants to join Carlton in AFL Trade

Justin Chadwick and Oliver CaffreyThe West Australian
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Adam Saad has nominated Carlton as his club of choice.
Camera IconAdam Saad has nominated Carlton as his club of choice. Credit: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos

Dashing Essendon defender Adam Saad is set to join his third AFL club after nominating Carlton as his destination of choice.

Adam Saad (right) is out the door at Essendon as teammate Joe Daniher (left) could follow.
Camera IconAdam Saad (right) is out the door at Essendon as teammate Joe Daniher (left) could follow. Credit: Duncan McNiece/AFL Photos

Saad, who has played 61 games for the Bombers after 48 at Gold Coast, is out of contract and in the process of informing Essendon of his wish to leave.

The 26-year-old averaged a career-high 18.9 disposals per game this season despite the shortened game length, and his likely departure is another big blow to Essendon’s hopes of turning around a poor 2020.

The Bombers have already lost fellow rebounding defender Conor McKenna to retirement, while free agent Joe Daniher and forward Orazio Fantasia could also be on the move.

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Daniher has been heavily linked to the Brisbane Lions, while Fantasia could return home to South Australia despite being contracted for 2021.

Saad is set to earn a five-year deal at Carlton, assuming a trade with Essendon can be done.

The Game AFL 2024

The Bombers are likely to request Carlton’s first-round draft pick.

Saad’s decision is another big boost for the Blues, who have also attracted GWS free agent Zac Williams.

ANOTHER GIANT TO DEPART

Jackson Hately is the latest player to want out of the Giants, with the midfielder requesting a trade to Adelaide.

Taken at pick 14 in the 2018 draft, Hately is determined to return to his home state and has picked the Crows as his desired club.

“Jackson has informed the club of his hope to return to South Australia so we will now investigate trade options with a view to getting the best possible outcome for the Giants,” GWS football manager Jason McCartney said.

He joins defenders Williams and Aidan Corr in requesting moves away from the Giants, veteran defender Heath Shaw hasn’t been offered a new contract, while ruckman Sam Jacobs has retired.

VINEY SIGNS ON

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney has re-committed to the Demons on a monster five-year deal.

The 26-year-old, who was a restricted free agent at the end of the season, turned down offers from rival clubs to remain in the red and blue until at least the end of 2025.

“Jack is a passionate Melbourne person and player, and has been since day one,” Demons general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.

“He is a man of great integrity, who really drives standards among the playing group.

“At just 26, we think his best footy is still in front of him. We look forward to him building on his great contribution to the game, as a Demon.”

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