Newport has added some valuable experience to its list with the signing of former AFL player Ahmed Saad for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season.
Saad is the first new signing for the Panthers for next season as they look to build on their first season in division 1.
Saad played 33 AFL games after being drafted from the Victorian Football League.
He joins the club from Essendon District Football League premier division club Pascoe Vale and has played for West Preston Lakeside in the Northern Football League, having carved out a successful local football career.
The club said “Saady” will bring some serious forward firepower, leadership and high standards to our senior team.
Panthers coach Ali Hamad said the arrival of Saad was exciting for the club.
“He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism after playing at the highest level and at local footy,” he said.
“He adds to the squad and can give a great example on field and will be of some help during games.”
Hamad said the playing group would benefit from Saad’s preparation for game day and throughout training.
He said he leads by example.
Hamad said Saad had showed that he was still a high level goalkicker in recent years. This year he kicked 30 goals in 11 games for Pascoe Vale.
He said there was one big factor in Saad wanting to come across.
“We’ve got Bachar Houli in our team and they have known each other for a while,” he said.
“They want to play together.”
The signing of Saad is a welcome boost for the Panthers after a solid first season in division 1.
The club won six games and finished 10th on the ladder after being one of three teams promoted as part of a restructure.
A win against reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing was a highlight.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” Hamad said. “We had a couple of results that didn’t go our way.
“Going from division 2 to a premiership team in the first year wasn’t going to happen. We’re building a foundation for years to come.
“We had six wins …A lot of guys know what it takes in division 1 now. The preparation of game day, playing at a higher level.
“The second year will be much better than the first time.”
The Panthers have also announced the signing of Mahmoud Taha, who also crosses from Pascoe Vale.
Taha won the Calder Cannons best and fairest in 2024 and was a Vic Metro representative.
This year listed with Essendon’s Victorian Football League side.
