A Brownlow Medalist, ​14 Best and Fairests', 11 All-Australian jumpers and four premierships. That's the amount of talent this 2011 re-drafted top 10 has and they still have so much of their career to play. One of the most star-studded drafts in recent memory, there are some worthy players missing out on selection and some guys dropping from their original pick despite some elite form since entering the competition. This is the 2011 AFL re-draft.

PICK 1: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – TOM MITCHELL (ORIGINALLY PICK 21 F/S – SYDNEY)
ORIGINAL PICK: JONATHON PATTON
Brownlow medallist, AFLPA MVP, two-time Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner and two-time All-Australian, the resume speaks for itself. Can find the footy with his eyes shut and his toughness in the contest is underrated. Had 26 disposals and two goals in the 2016 Grand Final, 38 touches and a goal in the 2018 Qualifying Final so has proven his ability to play in the big games.  

PICK 2: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – ELLIOT YEO (ORIGINALLY PICK 30 – BRISBANE)
ORIGINAL PICK: STEPHEN CONIGLIO
Stephen Coniglio can probably count himself stiff not to stay in his original spot, but Elliot Yeo has become one of the games’ best midfielders since crossing to West Coast in 2014. A premiership to go with two All-Australians and two best and fairest awards at the Eagles isn’t too shabby for a bloke originally taken at pick 30.
 
PICK 3: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – LACHIE NEALE (ORIGINALLY PICK 58 – FREMANTLE)
ORIGINAL PICK: DOM TYSON
Became a Scottie Pippen like back-up to Nat Fyfe at Fremantle, a star in his own right but always overshadowed by his Brownlow medal winning teammate. Has made the leap to the top dog at Brisbane and has lifted the club back into premiership contention, as well as elevating himself to a Brownlow fancy.
 
PICK 4: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – MARK BLICAVS (ORIGINALLY PICK 54 IN THE ROOKIE DRAFT – GEELONG)
ORIGINAL PICK: WILL HOSKIN-ELLIOT
Not a household name like those around him in this top 10 but has become a star of the competition in recent years. Has played on the wing, in the ruck and as a key back and has been valuable to the Cats in each position. Rewarded with two best and fairest awards in 2015 and 2018, he is easily the steal of this draft class.

PICK 5: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – STEPHEN CONIGLIO (ORIGINALLY PICK TWO – GWS)
ORIGINAL PICK: MATT BUNTINE
Seemed to not get his due recognition, presumably because he plays in Sydney, but Coniglio is starting to be regarded now as one of the top midfielders in the competition. Played in the Giants' inaugural game in 2012 and has been a star performer for the club ever since, becoming captain this season.
 
PICK 6: PORT ADELAIDE – RORY LAIRD (ORIGINALLY PICK FIVE IN THE ROOKIE DRAFT – ADELAIDE)
ORIGINAL PICK: CHAD WINGARD
Had a quite 2019 compared to his lofty standards but it is still one of the best rebounding defenders in the competition. Never wastes a possession and sets the Crows up beautifully from defence. Two-time All-Australian and best and fairest winner, a steal for a guy originally taken in the rookie draft.
 
PICK 7: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – TOBY GREENE (ORIGINALLY PICK 11 – GWS)
ORIGINAL PICK: NICK HAYNES
Say what you want about him, every club would love to have Toby Greene in their side. Drafted as a midfielder who has been able to change his game and dominate one of the hardest positions on the ground, a half forward. Still finds the ball 22 times a game over his career and averages a smidge over a goal a game. 

PICK 8: BRISBANE – CHAD WINGARD (ORIGINALLY PICK SIX – PORT ADELAIDE)
ORIGINAL PICK: BILLY LONGER
Like Toby Greene, dominated as a half forward at Port Adelaide, earning two All-Australian nods, a best and fairest and leading the Powers' goal kicking twice. Had a quiet 2019 in his first year at the Hawks but he’s a star and will find a way alongside Alastair Clarkson.
 
PICK 9: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – BRADLEY HILL (ORIGINALLY PICK 33 – HAWTHORN)
ORIGINAL PICK: ADAM TOMLINSON
A valuable team player in three premierships at Hawthorn who has turned into a star of his own at Fremantle and now St Kilda, highlighted by a best and fairest with the Dockers in 2017. His running ability is almost un-matched, and his skills are silky, just like brother Stephen.
 
PICK 10: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY – SAM DOCHERTY (ORIGINALLY PICK 12 – BRISBANE)
ORIGINAL PICK – LIAM SUMNER
Have yet to see the best of Docherty and he is already a best and fairest winner, an All-Australian, captain of Carlton and he is only 26. ACL ruptures wiped out his 2018 and 2019 seasons but returned in fine form with 26 disposals and seven marks against Richmond in round one of 2020. Is a necessity for the Blues' rebuild alongside co-skipper Patrick Cripps.
 
Unlucky to miss – Brad Crouch, Jaeger O’Meara, Nick Haynes, Taylor Adams, Devon Smith, Brandon Ellis, Jack Crisp, Joel Hamling.

Cover Photo: AFL

​PICK 1 - GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY - BRODIE GRUNDY (ORIGINALLY PICK 18 - COLLINGWOOD)
ORIGINAL PICK: LACHIE WHITFIELD 

​Like most ruckman, the big man took a little while to develop, only playing 22 senior games in his first two seasons. However, the Pies persisted and since then he, alongside Max Gawn, has become one of the competition’s premier ruckman, being selected in the All-Australian side each of the last two years. Grundy not only dominates the hit-outs but is almost seen as an extra midfielder with the amount of possessions he racks up. He also has two Pies’ Best and Fairest Awards and a 2018 Herald Sun Player of the Year Trophy to his name, highlighting why he is my number one pick of the 2011 crop.

Photo: Brodie Grundy by Flickerd available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.
​
​PICK 2: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY - LACHIE WHITFIELD (ORIGINALLY PICK ONE - GWS)
ORIGINAL PICK: 
 
Not a huge drop for Whitfield who after copping a suspension for an illicit drugs code breach early on in his career, has matured into one of the competition’s elite runners and ball users at both half-back and on the wing. The Giant can find plenty of the ball and is just as comfortable on his left foot as he is his right. Earned All-Australian honours in 2018 and wasn’t far off last season.
 
Pick 3 – Greater Western Sydney – Dane Rampe (originally pick 37 in the rookie draft to Sydney)
Original pick Lachie Plowman
 
Another feather was added to the cap of the Sydney Swans recruiting staff, when they selected the mature-aged Rampe with pick 37 in the 2013 Rookie Draft. Since then the slightly undersized Swan has played 161 games and gone on to become Sydney’s number one defender, one who regularly takes the scalps of opposition sides’ top forwards. Rampe received All-Australian honours in 2016 and was named Swans Co-Captain in 2018, where he led by example and took out the 2019 Bob Skilton Medal.
 
Pick 4 – Melbourne – Jack Macrae (originally pick 6 to the Western Bulldogs)
Original pick Jimmy Toumpas
 
Another player who suffers from leather poisoning, Macrae has become a model of consistency in the Bulldogs midfield, averaging just under 28 disposals a game over his impressive 143 games. Was finally rewarded with All-Australian selection in 2019 after narrowly missing out in the previous year. Showed his ability to perform on the big stage when he had 33 disposals as part of the Bulldogs’ 2016 Grand Final winning side.

Photo: Jack Macrae by Flickerd available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.

Pick 5 – Western Bulldogs – Joe Daniher (originally pick 10 F/S to Essendon)
Original pick Jake Stringer
 
The 201cm key forward has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons only playing 11 games in total, but in the previous seasons showed us what he was capable of. Returned solid season goal tallies of 28, 34 and 43 between 2014 and 2016, but it was 2017 where he really broke out. The athletic Bomber kicked 65 goals that year and showed us that if he gets his body right, he could be anything.
 
Pick 6 – Western Bulldogs – Jake Stringer (originally pick 5 to the Western Bulldogs)
Original pick Jack Macrae
 
A matchwinner in every sense, Stringer is one of the few players who doesn’t need a lot of possessions to impact a game. The forward/midfielder had a career best year in 2015 for the Bulldogs, kicking 56 majors and becoming an All-Australian, before backing it up in 2016 with 42 goals in a premiership winning year. Has been consistent without setting the world alight since joining the Bombers in 2018, however Bombers fans would be pleased seeing him take out the club’s leading goalkicker award in both years.
 
Pick 7 – Port Adelaide – Ollie Wines (originally pick 7 to Port Adelaide)
Original pick Ollie Wines
 
The Port Vice-Captain keeps his spot in the draft, after becoming one of the game’s elite inside-midfielders in his 141 games to date. Averages over 24 touches a game, with 11 of them being contested.

Photo: Ollie Wines by Flickerd available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.

​Pick 8 – Brisbane Lions – Jack Viney (originally pick 26 F/S to Melbourne)
Original pick Sam Mayes
 
Similar to Wines, Viney is another inside-bull who refuses to shirk a contest. He had a career best year in 2016, taking out the Demons’ Best and Fairest at just 22, averaging 26 disposals and 7 tackles a game. Has been hampered by injuries since then, however could be set for a big 2020 after collecting 34 disposals and a goal in round one.
 
Pick 9 – Richmond – Jesse Hogan (Originally pick 2 in mini-draft to Melbourne)
Original pick Nick Vlastuin
 
Hogan would likely be lot higher had he not been plagued by injuries and off-field issues which have seen him only play 83 games to date. That being said good key forwards are hard to come by and when Hogan is fit and firing, he is one of the best. The 2013 Rising Star recipient averages just under two goals a game over his career and during his four seasons at Melbourne he kicked over forty goals a season on three occasions. If he can get back on the park, I’d expect him to make his way up this list in the years to come.
 
Pick 10 – Essendon – Jake Lloyd (Originally pick 16 in the rookie draft to Sydney)
Original pick Joe Daniher
 
Another rookie bargain from Sydney, Lloyd has cemented himself in the top echelon of running defenders in his 139 games. After not debuting until 2014 the backman has played 21 games or more every season since. Lloyd averages a touch over 24 disposals a game and had a career best year in 2018 when he took out the Swans’ Best and Fairest and was named in the All-Australian squad.

​Unlucky to miss selection - Lachie Hunter, Nic Vlastuin, Tim Membrey, Zac Williams, Jack Martin.

Hawthorn Hawks – Stuart Dew (2008):
Dew had previously played 180 games over nine years at Port Adelaide before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2006 season. The forward/midfielder took a year off from the game before announcing his intentions to return to the AFL at the end of 2007, where he was drafted by Hawthorn with pick 45. He was struck down with a hamstring injury in just his second game for the Hawks, but managed to find his feet as the season went on. It proved to be one of Alistair Clarkson’s masterstrokes with Dew playing arguably his best game for the Hawks in the 2008 Grand Final kicking two crucial goals and setting up others in the third quarter when the game was in the balance, on the way to a major upset over Geelong.

Sydney Swans – Alex Johnson (2012):
Johnson was taken with Pick 57 in the 2010 National Draft and went on to play 45 games across his first two seasons at Sydney. Johnson was part of the Swans 2012 premiership at the raw age of 20 playing a crucial role as a rebounding defender. Looming as a future superstar for the Swans, Johnson was struck down with an ACL injury during the 2013 preseason. Unfortunately for Johnson it was the first of a number of repeated knee injuries and he didn’t play another senior game until 2018, where in just his second game back he reinjured his knee again and ultimately left Sydney at the end of 2018.
 
Melbourne Demons - Liam Jurrah (2011):
While Jurrah debuted in 2009, his breakout season came in 2011 where the high flying forward kicked 40 goals, looking as though the Demons had found a future superstar forward. However, he would only manage one game following his 2011 breakout season as a number of legal issues ended his career.

Geelong Cats – Nathan Ablett (2007):
Nathan Ablett was taken with Pick 49 as a Father/Son selection in the 2004 National Draft. He’s most remembered for his 2007 season where he kicked 34 goals in 21 games including three majors in the 2007 Grand Final as Geelong went on to win the premiership. Following the game Ablett announced his retirement, joining brother Gary at the Gold Coast Suns in 2011, however the forward was delisted after managing just two games.
 
Collingwood Magpies – John ‘Jack’ Anthony (2009):
Anthony burst onto the scene for Collingwood in 2008 kicking 25 goals in his debut season after spending two previous years on the list without playing a senior game. The talented forward followed up his magnificent second half of 2008 with a 50-goal season in 2009. However, Anthony only managed five goals across seven games in 2010 ending his time at the Pies. He moved to Fremantle at the end of 2010, where he managed just eight games across two seasons before eventually being delisted.

Port Adelaide Power – John Butcher (2011):
Butcher loomed as a potential superstar forward for Port Adelaide when he kicked six goals in just his second game in what was a difficult time for the Power as a club. However, injuries persisted and Butcher was never able to return to the heights he showed in his first two seasons in the league. He was eventually delisted at the end of 2016.
 
St Kilda – Ahmed Saad (2012:
Saad had a breakout debut season kicking 28 goals from 16 games. However, his form dropped off in 2013 and he was suspended from the game for 18 months after consuming an energy drink which contained a banned stimulant. Saad was delisted at the end of the 2013 season and redrafted in 2015 by the Saints however he only managed four more games and was eventually delisted at the end of 2015. 

Pick 1: Greater Western Sydney – Tom Mitchell (originally pick 21 F/S to Sydney)
Original pick – Jonathon Patton
 
Brownlow medallist, AFLPA MVP, two-time Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner and two-time All-Australian, the resume speaks for itself. Can find the footy with his eyes shut and his toughness in the contest is underrated. Had 26 disposals and two goals in the 2016 Grand Final, 38 touches and a goal in the 2018 Qualifying Final so has proven his ability to play in the big games.  

Pick 2: Greater Western Sydney – Elliot Yeo (originally pick 30 to Brisbane)
Original pick – Stephen Coniglio
 
Stephen Coniglio can probably count himself stiff not to stay in his original spot, but Elliot Yeo has become one of the games’ best midfielders since crossing to West Coast in 2014. A premiership to go with two All-Australians and two best and fairest awards at the Eagles isn’t too shabby for a bloke originally taken at pick 30.
 
Pick 3: Greater Western Sydney – Lachie Neale (originally pick 58 to Fremantle)
Original pick – Dom Tyson
 
Became a Scottie Pippen like back-up to Nat Fyfe at Fremantle, a star in his own right but always overshadowed by his Brownlow medal winning teammate. Has made the leap to the top dog at Brisbane and has lifted the club back into premiership contention, as well as elevating himself to a Brownlow fancy.

Pick 4: Greater Western Sydney – Mark Blicavs (originally pick 54 in the rookie draft to Geelong)
Original pick – Will Hoskin-Elliot
 
Not a household name like those around him in this top 10 but has become a star of the competition in recent years. Has played on the wing, in the ruck and as a key back and has been valuable to the Cats in each position. Rewarded with two best and fairest awards in 2015 and 2018, he is easily the steal of this draft class.

Pick 5: Greater Western Sydney – Stephen Coniglio (originally pick 2 to GWS)
Original pick – Matt Buntine
 
Seemed to not get his due recognition, presumably because he plays in Sydney, but Coniglio is starting to be regarded now as one of the top midfielders in the competition. Played in the Giants inaugural game in 2012 and has been a star performer for the club ever since, becoming captain this season.
 
Pick 6: Port Adelaide – Rory Laird (originally pick 5 in the rookie draft to Adelaide)
Original pick – Chad Wingard
 
Had a quite 2019 compared to his lofty standards but it is still one of the best rebounding defenders in the competition. Never wastes a possession and sets the Crows up beautifully from defence. Two-time All-Australian and best and fairest winner, a steal for a guy originally taken in the rookie draft.
 
Pick 7: Greater Western Sydney – Toby Greene (originally pick 11 to GWS)
Original pick – Nick Haynes
 
Say what you want about him, every club would love to have Toby Greene in their side. Drafted as a midfielder who has been able to change his game and dominate one of the hardest positions on the ground, a half forward. Still finds the ball 22 times a game over his career and averages a smidge over a goal a game.

Pick 8: Brisbane – Chad Wingard (originally pick 6 to Port Adelaide)
Original pick – Liam Sumner
 
Like Toby Greene, dominated as a half forward at Port Adelaide, earning two All-Australian nods, a best and fairest and leading the Power’s goal kicking twice. Had a quite 2019 in his first year at the Hawks but he’s a star and will find a way alongside Alastair Clarkson.
 
Pick 9: Greater Western Sydney – Bradley Hill (originally pick 33 to Hawthorn)
Original pick – Adam Tomlinson
 
A valuable team player in three premierships at Hawthorn who has turned into a star of his own at Fremantle and now St Kilda, highlighted by a best and fairest with the Dockers in 2017. His running ability is almost un-matched, and his skills are silky, just like brother Stephen.
 
Pick 10: Greater Western Sydney – Sam Docherty (originally pick 12 to Brisbane)
Original pick – Billy Longer
 
Have yet to see the best of Docherty and he is already a best and fairest winner, an All-Australian, captain of Carlton and he is only 26. ACL ruptures wiped out his 2018 and 2019 seasons but returned in fine form with 26 disposals and seven marks against Richmond in round one of 2020. Is a necessity for the Blues rebuild alongside co-skipper Patrick Cripps.

Unlucky to miss – Brad Crouch, Jaeger O’Meara, Nick Haynes, Taylor Adams, Devon Smith, Brandon Ellis, Jack Crisp, Joel Hamling.

Pick 1: Greater Western Sydney – Tom Mitchell (originally pick 21 F/S to Sydney)
Original pick – Jonathon Patton
 
Brownlow medallist, AFLPA MVP, two-time Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner and two-time All-Australian, the resume speaks for itself. Can find the footy with his eyes shut and his toughness in the contest is underrated. Had 26 disposals and two goals in the 2016 Grand Final, 38 touches and a goal in the 2018 Qualifying Final so has proven his ability to play in the big games.  
 
Pick 2: Greater Western Sydney – Elliot Yeo (originally pick 30 to Brisbane)
Original pick – Stephen Coniglio
 
Stephen Coniglio can probably count himself stiff not to stay in his original spot, but Elliot Yeo has become one of the games’ best midfielders since crossing to West Coast in 2014. A premiership to go with two All-Australians and two best and fairest awards at the Eagles isn’t too shabby for a bloke originally taken at pick 30.
 
Pick 3: Greater Western Sydney – Lachie Neale (originally pick 58 to Fremantle)
Original pick – Dom Tyson
 
Became a Scottie Pippen like back-up to Nat Fyfe at Fremantle, a star in his own right but always overshadowed by his Brownlow medal winning teammate. Has made the leap to the top dog at Brisbane and has lifted the club back into premiership contention, as well as elevating himself to a Brownlow fancy.
 
Pick 4: Greater Western Sydney – Marc Blicavs (originally pick 54 in the rookie draft to Geelong)
Original pick – Will Hoskin-Elliot
 
Not a household name like those around him in this top 10 but has become a star of the competition in recent years. Has played on the wing, in the ruck and as a key back and has been valuable to the Cats in each position. Rewarded with two best and fairest awards in 2015 and 2018, he is easily the steal of this draft class.
 
Pick 5: Greater Western Sydney – Stephen Coniglio (originally pick 2 to GWS)
Original pick – Matt Buntine
 
Seemed to not get his due recognition, presumably because he plays in Sydney, but Coniglio is starting to be regarded now as one of the top midfielders in the competition. Played in the Giants inaugural game in 2012 and has been a star performer for the club ever since, becoming captain this season.
 
Pick 6: Port Adelaide – Rory Laird (originally pick 5 in the rookie draft to Adelaide)
Original pick – Chad Wingard
 
Had a quite 2019 compared to his lofty standards but it is still one of the best rebounding defenders in the competition. Never wastes a possession and sets the Crows up beautifully from defence. Two-time All-Australian and best and fairest winner, a steal for a guy originally taken in the rookie draft.
 
Pick 7: Greater Western Sydney – Toby Greene (originally pick 11 to GWS)
Original pick – Nick Haynes
 
Say what you want about him, every club would love to have Toby Greene in their side. Drafted as a midfielder who has been able to change his game and dominate one of the hardest positions on the ground, a half forward. Still finds the ball 22 times a game over his career and averages a smidge over a goal a game.
 
Pick 8: Brisbane – Chad Wingard (originally pick 6 to Port Adelaide)
Original pick – Liam Sumner
 
Like Toby Greene, dominated as a half forward at Port Adelaide, earning two All-Australian nods, a best and fairest and leading the Power’s goal kicking twice. Had a quite 2019 in his first year at the Hawks but he’s a star and will find a way alongside Alastair Clarkson.
 
Pick 9: Greater Western Sydney – Bradley Hill (originally pick 33 to Hawthorn)
Original pick – Adam Tomlinson
 
A valuable team player in three premierships at Hawthorn who has turned into a star of his own at Fremantle and now St Kilda, highlighted by a best and fairest with the Dockers in 2017. His running ability is almost un-matched, and his skills are silky, just like brother Stephen.
 
Pick 10: Greater Western Sydney – Sam Docherty (originally pick 12 to Brisbane)
Original pick – Billy Longer
 
Have yet to see the best of Docherty and he is already a best and fairest winner, an All-Australian, captain of Carlton and he is only 26. ACL ruptures wiped out his 2018 and 2019 seasons but returned in fine form with 26 disposals and seven marks against Richmond in round one of 2020. Is a necessity for the Blues rebuild alongside co-skipper Patrick Cripps.
​
Unlucky to miss – Brad Crouch, Jaeger O’Meara, Nick Haynes, Taylor Adams, Devon Smith, Brandon Ellis, Jack Crisp, Joel Hamling.

Hawthorn – Stuart Dew (2008):
Dew had previously played 180 games over nine years at Port Adelaide before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2006 season. The forward/midfielder took a year off from the game before announcing his intentions to return to the AFL at the end of 2007, where he was drafted by Hawthorn with pick 45. He was struck down with a hamstring injury in just his second game for the Hawks, but managed to find his feet as the season went on. It proved to be one of Alistair Clarkson’s masterstrokes with Dew playing arguably his best game for the Hawks in the 2008 Grand Final kicking two crucial goals and setting up others in the third quarter when the game was in the balance, on the way to a major upset over Geelong.
 
Sydney – Alex Johnson (2012):
Johnson was taken with Pick 57 in the 2010 National Draft and went on to play 45 games across his first two seasons at Sydney. Johnson was part of the Swans 2012 premiership at the raw age of 20 playing a crucial role as a rebounding defender. Looming as a future superstar for the Swans, Johnson was struck down with an ACL injury during the 2013 preseason. Unfortunately for Johnson it was the first of a number of repeated knee injuries and he didn’t play another senior game until 2018, where in just his second game back he reinjured his knee again and ultimately left Sydney at the end of 2018.
 
Melbourne - Liam Jurrah (2011):
While Jurrah debuted in 2009, his breakout season came in 2011 where the high flying forward kicked 40 goals, looking as though the Demons had found a future superstar forward. However, he would only manage one game following his 2011 breakout season as a number of legal issues ended his career.
 
Geelong – Nathan Ablett (2007):
Nathan Ablett was taken with Pick 49 as a Father/Son selection in the 2004 National Draft. He’s most remembered for his 2007 season where he kicked 34 goals in 21 games including three majors in the 2007 Grand Final as Geelong went on to win the premiership. Following the game Ablett announced his retirement, joining brother Gary at the Gold Coast Suns in 2011, however the forward was delisted after managing just two games.
 
Collingwood – John ‘Jack’ Anthony (2009):
Anthony burst onto the scene for Collingwood in 2008 kicking 25 goals in his debut season after spending two previous years on the list without playing a senior game. The talented forward followed up his magnificent second half of 2008 with a 50-goal season in 2009. However, Anthony only managed five goals across seven games in 2010 ending his time at the Pies. He moved to Fremantle at the end of 2010, where he managed just eight games across two seasons before eventually being delisted.
 
Port Adelaide – John Butcher (2011):
Butcher loomed as a potential superstar forward for Port Adelaide when he kicked six goals in just his second game in what was a difficult time for the Power as a club. However, injuries persisted and Butcher was never able to return to the heights he showed in his first two seasons in the league. He was eventually delisted at the end of 2016.
 
St Kilda – Ahmed Saad (2012:
Saad had a breakout debut season kicking 28 goals from 16 games. However, his form dropped off in 2013 and he was suspended from the game for 18 months after consuming an energy drink which contained a banned stimulant. Saad was delisted at the end of the 2013 season and redrafted in 2015 by the Saints however he only managed four more games and was eventually delisted at the end of 2015.