Carlton’s All-Australian defender Adam Saad is excited about the possibilities this season for the unbeaten Blues as they try to win at Adelaide Oval for the first time next week.
Saad is off to an excellent start individually, but is even more pleased Carlton negotiated the first four rounds without a defeat – including a round-one draw – while still having plenty to improve upon, including removing their inconsistency within matches.
Blues star Adam Saad.Credit: AFL Photos
It is the Blues’ best start to a season since 1995, when they won their most recent premiership.
The Crows will be waiting for them on Thursday night to kick off Gather Round in South Australia, with Carlton, who will regain Sam Walsh, Matt Kennedy and Blake Acres, losing all six of their matches at Adelaide Oval to date.
“It’s good [to be] undefeated, but we’ve got a lot to work on,” Saad said.
“It’s a big challenge next week against Adelaide – I don’t think we’ve won there – so it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
“Even though we’re not playing our best footy; we’re still getting the wins, and last year we missed out [on finals] by percentage, so to bank them early and hopefully build on that consistency is something we’re really striving to do.”
A huge part of the Blues’ 23-point victory over North Melbourne on Good Friday was the goalkicking explosion from twin towers Charlie Curnow (six) and Harry McKay (four), who enjoyed their best combined performance of the year.
McKay had only two goals through the first three rounds, so his big night bodes well for Carlton’s fortunes, given they loom as the club’s biggest difference-makers.
Reigning Coleman medallist Curnow now has a league-best 16 majors through the first month.
Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow kicked 10 goals between them against North Melbourne.Credit: AFL Photos
“We know even if they’re not kicking goals; they’re getting the ball to ground and getting the smalls into the game,” Saad said.
“So we know the contest is going to be there, and it was only a matter of time before they got some goals on the board, which is good.
“We obviously know that we’ve got Harry and Charlie, who are massive keys, [but] we want to get everyone into the game and not be so reliant on them two, so we’re trying to add dimensions to our game inside our 50.”
The Blues moved into top spot with their second-half overpowering of the Kangaroos, and Saad said the increased familiarity with coach Michael Voss’ game plan was paying dividends, more so than last year’s results heightening confidence.
“There’s always been belief, but it’s another year under ‘Vossy’, the system, and we’re building synergy out on the ground for players,” he said.
“It’s really exciting going forward what we can achieve, so we’re just going to keep working hard and trying to get better each day.”
Saad, who is averaging 24 disposals, nine intercept possessions and almost 500 metres gained, is in the middle of Ramadan, which runs from the evening of March 22 to April 21.
The 156-gamer fasts from dawn to sunset during this period each year – abstaining from all food and drinks – which means getting up early each day to ensure he can still fuel his body enough to fulfil his football obligations.
“It’s the holy month for Muslims around the world, and it’s such a spiritual month and that’s a lot [about] forgiveness. It’s a monthly reflection,” Saad said.
“It’s getting up early at 4.30 in the morning and eating the right foods and hydrating well and just having faith in God to give us the strength to get through. I like playing during this month, and I just want to keep being consistent.”
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