Home

AFL trades 2020: Essendon hold draft key with Adam Saad deal holding up talks

The West Australian
CommentsComments
VideoThe potential Adam Saad trade to Carlton has taken a twist, with the Bombers potentially keeping him for 2021.

Brendon Goddard says the next four days could be the turning point for Essendon’s future after a tough 2020.

After missing finals amid the ugly planned departure of coach John Worsfold, a number of key Bombers wanted out as questions about the club’s culture suddenly emerged.

Joe Daniher was able to exit the club and head to Brisbane while Adam Saad and Orazio Fantasia remain in limbo as the club seeks a suitable trade deal by Thursday.

Goddard said while losing three key players hurts, there was a silver lining for the Bombers.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“(List manager Dodoro) Adrian and Essendon have got a lot of balls in the air,” Goddard said on Trade Radio.

“But if they can manage to get this done, again this is turning what was a defining moment for Essendon in its history and players walking out into, ‘Hang on a second, we’re in a better spot than what we were before these guys walked out’, essentially.”

The Game AFL 2024

Goddard said the Saad deal with Carlton “has got to get done” before a host of other personnel changes could be made.

VideoThe Western Bulldogs have changed their tune on star Josh Dunkley, with a deal likely done.

“So Saad, Fantasia still to get done. Then you’ve got (GWS’ Jye) Caldwell, (Bulldog Josh) Dunkley and potentially (Sun) Peter Wright – they’re the three that we know of.

“I’d assume they’d be looking at someone like (Collingwood’s) Tom Phillips.”

Should Carlton exchange pick eight for Saad, it would leave the Bombers sitting pretty holding picks six, seven (the compensation for Daniher) and eight in the upcoming AFL Draft.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails