“HE’S VERY happy and looking forward to putting on the Carlton polo.”

After weeks of speculation, Adam Saad finally became a Carlton player on Wednesday afternoon — and the new Blue couldn’t be more thrilled.

That’s the opinion of his manager John Meesen, who spoke to the AFL Exchange team on Trade Radio moments after the deal was official.

Carlton parted with picks Nos.8 and 87, receiving the ready-made Saad and picks Nos.48 and 78 in return.

Meesen said Saad couldn’t wait to get started at his new home.

“Adam was very clear he wanted to get to Carlton… he’s very happy with his decision,” Meesen said.

“We were very confident that it was always going to get done. I don’t think relieved is the word, but it’s definitely good to be able to have it done and get it off the desk.”

Meesen said a discussion with Senior Coach David Teague had been a key factor in Saad’s decision to call Ikon Park home.

When quizzed about Saad’s role going forward, Meesen said he expected to play a variety of roles across half back.

“When Adam did decide that the best thing for him to do was look at other opportunities, he had a really good chat with David Teague and a really clear role was identified for him within the structure,” he said.

“It was something that Adam wanted to be able to do: to play a little higher up the ground, test himself out and use his assets a little more to his advantage.

“Being able to fit into the system that Carlton has, he’s understanding that he’ll play lockdown when need be, he might get sat on sometimes which means Docherty gets off the leash and vice-versa potentially the next week.”

In partnering co-captain Docherty across half back, Meesen said he saw Saad as the ideal “plug and replace” for the retired Kade Simpson.

“We looked after Kade Simpson as well: Marty Pask is part of our company and he looked after ‘Simmo’ for the majority of his career. He was a terrific stalwart,” he said.

“I don’t necessarily know the ins and outs of what ‘Simmo’ played every week, but there’s definitely an opportunity for Adam there to be able to go in with a licence to attack and take the game on.

“I think that’s really going to excite Carlton fans in the coming years.”