Adam Saad's 100th Game a Celebration of Resilience, Culture and Pride
This week, Carlton fans will witness more than just another match at the MCG—it’s a celebration of grit, heritage, and heart as Adam Saad runs out for his 100th game in Navy Blue. Fittingly, this milestone arrives during the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series, making it all the more significant for Saad, his family, and the broader multicultural community.
Born to Lebanese migrant parents, Saad’s journey to the elite level wasn’t smooth. He wasn’t picked in three national drafts. At one point, he worked at Coles while chasing a dream that often seemed just out of reach. As he said in a recent interview, “I didn’t have a plan B.” But what Saad did have was belief—in his skills, in his work ethic, and in the values his parents instilled in him. That belief carried him from local footy at Coburg to the bright lights of the AFL.
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Now at Carlton—his third AFL club—Saad has not only found form but flourished. Dependable, calm under pressure, and always ready to spark the game open with one of his trademark runs, he has become an integral part of the Blues' backline. And through it all, he’s remained humble. As Mil Hanna—Carlton legend and fellow Lebanese-Australian—recently put it, “He doesn’t fumble, never loses a one-on-one… He’s sensational.”
What makes this 100-game milestone even more meaningful is the connection between Saad and the community. He represents more than just athletic excellence—he embodies perseverance and cultural pride. As the first practising Muslim to play for Carlton, Saad’s presence alone is groundbreaking. For fans from diverse backgrounds, he’s proof that no matter where you come from, there’s a place for you in this game.
And let’s not forget the now-iconic “woof” that follows every one of his booming kicks. It’s a Carlton tradition passed down from legends like Ang Christou and now firmly associated with Saad. Even rival players have taken notice—some even tell him, “That’s unreal.” It’s more than a sound; it’s recognition, love, and respect from the stands.
Hanna, who knows the struggles of making it in the AFL from a migrant background, said it best: “When you see players like Adam come through, it gives you pride that you might have inspired someone along the way.”
This weekend isn’t just game number 100 for Adam Saad. It’s a tribute to perseverance, family, and cultural identity. From East Brunswick to the MCG, his journey has been anything but ordinary. And if you’re watching the game, listen closely—because when that familiar “woof” echoes through the crowd, you’ll know you’re witnessing something special.
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