Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell says it was a “surprise” and “disappointing” to learn that Adam Saad wanted to leave the club.
Saad has requested a trade Carlton, with the Bombers expecting “compelling compensation” for the rebound defender with the two Victorian heavyweights locked in talks over a trade.
The 26-year-old is set to join a third AFL club after starting his career at the Gold Coast Suns.
Campbell said Saad’s decision to leave Essendon was down to a “multitude” of reasons.
“It was a surprise and it’s disappointing that we’re in that position. It did get very difficult towards the end (of the season),” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I think Adam found the hub difficult.
“We would have loved for him to take a bit more time to make his decision, but he didn’t, and he’s made that decision and we have to respect that and get the best trade possible for the football club to drive that improvement.
“I think part of (the reason for leaving) was positional, I think part of it was culture, I think that hub experience was very difficult for him so it was a multitude of factors but they’re questions you’ll have to ask Adam.”
Former Essendon captain Brendon Goddard shed further light on Saad’s reasons for wanting out.
“My understanding is he felt like he was being singled out in terms of the feedback and the coaches were too harsh on him,” Goddard told Trade Mornings on AFL Trade Radio.
Campbell also commented on Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia’s impending exits from Tullamarine.
“I thought we got to a position where Joey was really close to staying,” he said.
“I think the length of time it took for him to make that decision is a reflection that we got much closer than people think to him saying at the football club.
“Raz (Fantasia) has had that pull home for a number of years now and he’s got a really tight family and it’s absolutely understandable.”
Daniher is expected to join Brisbane as a restricted free agent while Fantasia has nominated Port Adelaide as his preferred destination.
Essendon haven’t earmarked a replacement for sacked football boss Dan Richardson with former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott linked to the role.
“We don’t have a person in mind yet, we’ve got a role in mind; we want a strong and experienced leader ideally with some diversity in their background and their experiences,” Campbell said.
“We haven’t had any discussions with anyone, we’ll start to build that process over the coming days.”