Altona premiership player Saad El-Hawli has realised his AFL dream after being selected by Essendon in the AFL mid-season draft.
The Bombers selected El-Hawli with pick 13, impressed with his form in the Victorian Football League with the Northern Bullants.
He had averaged 25.7 disposals a game, while also taking 6.2 marks and averaging 3.1 tackles.
Essendon national recruiting manager Rob Forster-Knight said El-Hawli is a ready-made prospect who can make an immediate impact.
“He’s an exciting player to watch, he’s got some really good traits that will transfer to the AFL system,” he told the Essendon website.
“He’s got speed, power, can mark over his head and he’s quite versatile as well. We think there’s a chance he might be able to put selection pressure on in the immediate future, but that depends on how well he adapts to our environment as well.
“He’s played in all parts of the ground this year, he’s not pigeon-holed to one position. He played halfback initially, he can roll through the wing, has a real high-end running ability and he’s creative with the ball as well.
“We think with the versatility he offers he’ll give Brad (Scott) and the coaching staff some options.”
Altona Football Club commented on the Bombers’ Instagram post.
“You have drafted a fantastic boy from a wonderful family. We have been very lucky to have him play for us for a few years and regardless of the level he works tirelessly.
“He deserves this opportunity & won’t let you down.”
El-Hawli played his junior football across three Western Football League clubs, starting with Newport Power before joining Spotswood and then Altona. He was part of Altona’s 2022 division 1 premiership.
He also played with the Western Jets before playing five games with Werribee in the VFL in 2022 before making the switch to the Bullants last season. He has had a break out season this year.
El-Hawli told his new Bombers he was extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running boys,” he said in a video shared on the Bombers website.
That he did as he turned out for the Bombers’ VFL side on Sunday.
While the Bombers had a big loss, El-Hawli had 25 disposals, third most for the Bombers and only behind AFL-listed players Will Setterfield and Dylan Shiel.
