Essendon defender Adam Saad has officially requested a trade to Carlton, with both club’s confirming the news overnight.
Blues head of football Brad Lloyd spoke on the club’s website, saying they would now attempt to work out a trade with the Bombers.
“We can confirm that Adam Saad has today notified us of his commitment to join the Carlton Football Club,” Lloyd said.
“Adam has officially requested a trade and we will now work with the Essendon Football Club and Adam’s management to finalise the deal.”
“We welcome Adam’s decision and at this stage will not be providing any further comment.”
Essendon also commented through list manager Adrian Dodoro, demanding significant compensation for the rebounding defender.
“We put forward a significant offer to Adam and we are disappointed in his decision to pursue a playing future elsewhere,” Dodoro told the club’s website.
“Although we wish Adam all the best, he is not a free agent and therefore a suitable trade will need to be forthcoming from Carlton. Clearly, there is an expectation of compelling compensation for a player of Adam’s calibre.
“We will remain in contact with Adam’s management over the course of the upcoming AFL trade period."
Saad, 26, finished third in Essendon’s 2020 best and fairest count.
Carlton has an obvious slot for him to fill in their backline following the retirement of Kade Simpson.
Essendon great Tim Watson gave his perspective on what Saad’s departure means for the club as a whole.
“Fundamentally, there are some things operating at that club that aren’t necessarily what players believe is going to give them the success that they want to have,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“You’ve got a limited time in this game. Players are more aware of this than they ever have before about whether the club is on top of the things they need to be on top of.”
Listen to Watson and Garry Lyon’s full discussion below