Essendon fans experienced a feeling Carlton fans know all too well on Friday night.
What is the word for when you remember how good times used to be, knowing that the present is much worse? The dictionary definition could have a picture of a Carlton member. Let’s call the term “Carltonism”.
Carlton supporters may have in fact invented the concept, but currently it is Essendon fans who are feeling it most.
Good on Bombers fans, though, who saw a moment to cheer on a very disappointing 150th birthday celebration. In the last quarter, the game all but lost to one of their least-liked rivals, Adam Saad was driving towards goal. It seemed that Saad, formerly loved but now on a spectrum between tolerated and despised by Essendon, knew that kicking a goal against his former employers would really sting.
Saad did not kick his goal though. The chorus of cheers from Essendon fans when they saw their former player tackled and put off his kick was one of their loudest of the evening. As the boos rang out, as they had been for Saad all night, it made me wonder, is there a player less “boo-able” than Adam Saad in the AFL?
Saad is small, but that doesn’t stop him leaping at marks and playing with courage. He is tough in the fair sense, not the dirty sense. He is reliable, rarely missing games or getting beaten. As a back pocket, he is not thrust into the limelight.
He probably should be being spoken about as an All Australian this year, but I’ve seen minimal coverage of that. He is an entertainer, his surges out of defence a weekly highlight and lifter for Carlton.
You can understand why you would dislike Saad as an Essendon fan. He left in his prime, aged 26, and to, of all places, Carlton. The media portrayed the move as a whack against Essendon and a tick for Carlton, rightly or wrongly.
Maybe Saad’s continued excellence is what hurts most. He has saved some of his finest work in a Carlton jumper for Essendon in his two games against them as well.
For what it’s worth, Essendon arguably did well out of the trade. They got a first-round pick and managed to make a player of Nick Hind, who plays a similar role, albeit to a lower standard to Saad. Statistically, Hind and Saad are not too different. Watching live, though, it is clear the Carlton man is a much tighter defender, more team-oriented and impactful.
Bombers supporters will one day be cured of their “Carltonism” and be able to live in the present, just as Blues fans are trying to do right now. But for now, it may be that the simple pleasures of watching a former player (a fair, respectable player destined for finals action) get tackled and not kick a goal is the best they can hope for.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
fair enough, I certainly hope it works our for our team (the bombers) asap.
Teeko
Roar Rookie
He is significantly better sure. But Redman, Mcgrath, Hind and now D'Ambrossio is a good collection of half-backs in their own right. Since Saad is 28 and most likely wouldn't be apart of our next premiership, I would take the top 10 pick every day. Other areas of our best 22 are much weaker than our half-backs and the top 10 pick could potentially help us a lot more going forward than what Saad would for a few more seasons.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
well I care, he is much better than players u mention, in fact miles better. I think Saad could see writing on the wall, and felt Essendon was not going anywhere soon.
Teeko
Roar Rookie
You think they are 'so upset' because they boo an ex-player? That happens all the time and is completely normal. I gave you three very good reasons why Essendon supporters like myself and others I talk to don't care about Saad leaving at all.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Ok, then why r essendon supporters so upset with him leaving
Teeko
Roar Rookie
He isn’t a huge loss. We have Redman, Hind, McGrath and now D’Ambrossio that can play his position. Even if those players aren’t as good, Saad is 28 and won’t be in his prime when we are challenging. Getting a top 10 pick for him was huge as we need to keep adding quality young players in other positions.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Saad was a huge loss for essendon, and he has played very well this year
Teeko
Roar Rookie
Saad would be Essendon’s best half back without a doubt, and I also think he is worthy of the All-Australian team. We would be stronger with him for sure. But it is not exactly a position we are lacking in. We have Redman ( has taken his game to another level this season), Hind (finding some better form recently) and McGrath is also quite capable when playing that position. D’Ambrossio has only played one game, but looks promising. We got a top 10 pick for Saad, and he is turning 28 this year. We are rebuilding and it is unlikely that Adam would still be around or in his prime when we are ready to challenge. For those reasons I don’t think his loss would bother many Essendon supporters from a list management perspective. I don’t lament his loss while watching him tear it up against us or other teams. Actually I couldn’t care less how well Saad is going for Carlton. I simply enjoy what our capable half-backs are doing, while knowing that for present Saad’s loss is fairly minimal, and for the long term a potentially large benefit (due to the top 10 pick). So from my perspective, the booing from Essendon supporters isn’t because of ‘Carltonism’. It is for other reasons that you have mentioned. He left us at a terrible time, when we were already losing multiple best 22 players. He then joined one of our biggest rivals, with unclear motives as to the reason behind the move. And as for your question ‘is Saad the least boo-able player in the AFL?’ – nope. He may play the game the right way, but he is boo-able for a very simple reason: a lack of loyalty. He has already left two clubs. I know it is something I have to get used to, but it still means something to a lot of people.
JamesH
Roar Guru
There's always an element of that pantomime booing, sure. The Saad defection hurt, though. It was expected that Daniher and Fantasia would ask to go - Daniher for a fresh start and Fantasia to go home - but Saad's request blindsided everyone. His circumstances definitely added to the usual ire.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Yeah I forgot they were playing both ruck these days. Will be interesting to see how he goes, hopefully the midfield can help them out down back.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Voss has said Durdin will be playing tomorrow night. Probably need him to be against Nankervis & Soldo if they rest up forward.
Clear as mud
Guest
I suspect fans understand when a legend goes back to a home state because a new team has been created
Clear as mud
Guest
He is Ok but Lynch is less booable for line That GF celebration stunt with the apple cart!? What a lad. I love him
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
You know it's true.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Terrible news Col, I thought he was pretty good first up and would only get better. With Young likely to go with Lynch perhaps Kemp is the better match up for Riewoldt but he has been forward and back all year (forward again on the weekend) so it would be a big ask for him.
Willow
Roar Rookie
Yeah…terrible news. His first game back after 1000+ days… yet another setback :unhappy:
.kraM
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Marchbank has had a meniscus tear and will be out for 6 weeks. Who comes in Kemp or Durdin?
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
This a Saad article.
CJ
Roar Rookie
I also reckon it might have something to do with the impact the traded player had with his former club. I dont remember Judd getting booed by WCE Fans (which is a rare thing) and Wanganeen also won a brownlow and flag with the Bombers