THE first season under AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss will go down as one to remember and one of transformation for the Carlton Football Club.
It was a year where a number of Carlton players enjoyed breakthrough seasons, whether that was a key milestone, a landmark achievement, the start of a journey or a career-best campaign.
Year in review
This was the year that Adam Saad became an All-Australian player for the first time, being a deserved selection as the 2022 half-back flanker.
It was a career-best season with the Blues for Saad - who was a vital part of the defensive line-up - being a reliable figure when it came to locking down opposition small forwards or generating blistering ball movement from the back half.
Making an impact with his pinpoint kicking, Saad's experience and calm decision making was an important marker for the team, often being able to settle - and win - even the most chaotic of plays.
It was also the year that Saad was awarded the 'woof' chant, an honour gifted to him by his old neighbour Ang Christou.
2022 in numbers
Missing only one game due to AFL Health and Safety Protocols, Saad averaged 22 disposals in his 21 games.
Showcasing his intercept ability, he averaged 7.5 intercepts a game in his role across half back - ranking No.10 in the AFL - as he was able to not only thwart opposition attacks by cutting the ball off in transition, but get the Blues going the other way.
Known for his rebounding ability, it's no surprise that Saad rated No.1 for running bounces in the AFL, settling himself with an early bounce before going on a marauding run down the field.
Because of his kicking prowess, Saad also averaged 401 metres per game, able to split the ground with his piercing-left foot, resulting in the aforementioned 'woof' from the Carlton faithful.
On-field highlight
Saad received three Brownlow votes and eight AFLCA votes for his performance against the Giants in Round 19, where he also picked up a Mark of the Year nomination for his third-quarter screamer.
Saad’s impact was felt at both ends of the ground that day, as he accumulated 25 disposals, four rebound 50s, four inside 50s and three one percenters, alongside a career-high 12 marks.
Off-field highlight
Playing his 150th game in Round 21, Saad was able to share in some special moments, having his family in the rooms and running out with his daughter in his arms for the first time on the ground.
Saad also had many proud moments working with the Adam Saad Pathways, watching youth progress in their football and being able to share his faith and knowledge with the younger generation.
Not just focusing on football, Saad wants his players to come out as better people as well as better footballers: it was this commitment which saw him nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
In his own words:
Ahead of his 150th game, Saad spoke on the journey he's been on his football career and being thankful for getting his start at Coburg Football Club.
“To be able to come out and play 150 [games] is pretty special.
“You remember Piranha Park, being there seven or eight years ago. I thank Peter German and the Coburg Football Club for giving me the opportunity to play my best footy and get drafted.
“You can’t say much more: it’s a special feeling… my family and I have spoken about it a fair bit, but we’re trying to keep it as low key as possible.”
