CARLTON defender Adam Saad will remain in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2026, signing a one-year extension with the Club.

Playing 86 games for the Blues so far, the 30-year-old is a key member of the Carlton defence, regarded for his penetrating kick, smart ball use and speed off the half-back line.

Joining Carlton from Essendon at the end of the 2020 season, Saad’s transition to the Blues has been impressive, enjoying a career-best season in 2022 which resulted in All-Australian selection, while he only missed one game in 2023 where he played a pivotal role in Carlton’s finals campaign.

Elite in locking down an opposition small forward, Saad played 18 games last season, averaging 18.3 disposals, 5.8 intercepts and 321.9 metres gained, ranking No.1 in the competition for bounces per game.

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Highlights | Best of Saad in 2024

Watch some of the best highlights from Adam Saad in 2024, after he extended his contract till the end of 2026 with the Blues.

A fan favourite, the defender is also synonymous with the cries of “woof” at Carlton games, following in the footsteps of past Carlton players Val Perovic and Ang Christou.

Passionate about giving back to the community, Saad relaunched the Adam Saad Pathways when joining the Blues, giving youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds opportunities to develop on and off the field. He received the Tom Hafey Award in 2021 while he was also nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award during his time at IKON Park.

The Carlton Football Club’s Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club is excited to see Saad continue at IKON Park.

"We are so pleased to see Adam continue his career at Carlton. He is an extremely consistent and reliable figure in our defensive line, a person who we know will go out and play their role week in and week out," Austin said.

We are very fortunate to have someone of his character at Carlton.

- Nick Austin about Adam Saad

"Since joining the Club, he continues to be one of the best small defenders in the league: with his sharp ball use and outstanding kicking ability, combined with his speed, he is a true asset to our side.

"Not only he is a well-regarded figure with Carlton fans but he also plays a special role with the wider public with his significant community initiatives. We are very fortunate to have someone of his character at Carlton."

“To get this done well before the season is a great result and a show of faith from both parties: we look forward to watching Adam in the Navy Blue for at least the next two seasons.”