The AFL’s pre-season and rookie drafts have provided previously League listed players with a second, and in some cases third chance at the big time.
The man on everyone’s mind going into the final instalment of the AFL list management process for 2014 was Ahmed Saad, who was sidelined in 2013 because of an 18-month suspension for taking a banned substance, something he vigorously denied knowledge of.
His former club St Kilda re-drafted him with pick 19 of the rookie draft.
Following his comeback to the AFL, Saad said he was relieved by the outcome.
“I’m glad that all went away and I could focus on my training … so I could give myself the best chance to come back and play AFL,” Saad said.
“I’m absolutely rapt that the Saints showed faith in picking me up again.”
His ban concludes in February but he will be able to train with his teammates six weeks prior.
In other draft news, former Tiger and Lion Andrew Raines found a third AFL home, thanks to the Gold Coast, which picked him up with pick 71 of the rookie draft.
And former Power player Nathan Krakouer was re-draft by Port Adelaide after three years out of the AFL system, whilst former Blue Kane Lucas found a new home at the West Coast Eagles and former Crow Shaun McKernan became a Bomber.
Other prominent names selected included those who were de-listed at season’s end and re-drafted by their respective clubs, with the likes of Tony Armstrong (Collingwood), Adam Schneider (St Kilda), Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs) and Robin Nahas (North Melbourne).
Source: ABC Grandstand.