His run really reminded me of when McKenna and Saad (the other one) used to burst out of half back and set the ground alight. Some of the most exciting football Essendon has played in the last couple of decades for mine. Just praying that whatever changes they’ve made to player development are up to scratch.
2 Likes
- Bachar Houli (draft 42, then delisted/traded to Richmond)
- Adam Saad (rookie draft, then traded to Ess)
- Saah El-Hawli (mid-season draft, mature age)
All similar HBF-style players (maybe Houli not such explosive pace), similar backgrounds,
…all late bloomers.
1 Like
At 1hr55 on the full replay Bryan gets a holding the ball free in the backline. I was sitting on the wing and heard SEH telling him to kick it to Draper. Saad then powers up in front of Draper, who contests the mark but it drops in front of him. ElHawli (relative of Bachar, just different spelling of surname) gathers the crumbs and plays on taking a bounce like he did earlier with the Martin goal. When our recent defensive instinct has been to timidly pass it around the last line of defence to no effect whatsoever, this sort of leadership and energy was inspiring.
30 Likes
That play to set up a goal is what we need coming out of the backline. Whether it’s wing or half back yep we need that.
1 Like
Saad El-Hawli showed his potential sparking our final push to win. He can play HB, Wing or HF and will be dynamic in any of those positions. I think atm we should play him wing especially against Melbourne. We need his speed , footy ability, leadership on field and smarts. Weve got one here. Well played Saad
10 Likes
He isn’t tentative, backs himself, it’s great. He’ll probably be Saad like in that there’s a ceiling but it’s a pretty high one. Changes play.
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After thinking about it, I think he might be the greatest player in Essendons history and also future.
10 Likes
Is there always a ceiling at Marvel?
3 Likes
El-Hawli has no ceiling. Even at Marvel.
5 Likes
Saad is just what Essendon fans needed - can play and does it with excitement.
Would have made a lot of Essendon fans smile last night.
4 Likes
Thank you. Was emotional and a bit tipsy when I wrote that so will go have another look to make sure it wasn’t the beer goggles talking. 
1 Like
Was it SubWay?
Shiel in the middle
Saad at HB
This is the way
My brother inlaw is lebanese has a very big family they all stick together cousins,relatives,friends and surport each other its a great feeling to be around at family events.
Also cook up a feast which is awesome 
6 Likes
He had two kicks on his right foot. Both were scrubbers.
That’s the difference between AFL and VFL.
At VFL, he could work his way onto his left foot. At AFL level, you’re pushed onto your right foot.
He’ll learn from it and find ways to get onto his left foot. He’ll probably learn to find angles to come inboard and still use his left foot to get to the opposite forward flank.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t be on the other wing that’s better for left footers because that’s the wing Archie was on. It was always going to be one or the other that benefits from being on the correct wing.
He’s fine. Give him a handful of games and he’ll develop okay.
I don’t see him as a running defender though. Whilst he was back there, that’s typically what a wingman does nowadays. They get back there and either help bringing the ball out of the backline or become an option on the half back flank to help get the ball going in our direction.
He played instinctive football that a few of his teammates could learn from. Hopefully, it won’t be trained out of him.
Are we still talking about El-Hawli? AFAIK he’s a right footer.
Just because Bachar and the snake are left-footed doesn’t mean all Lebanese players are left-footed.
6 Likes
Inshallah
Is God part of the establishment, and barracks for Melbourne?
Otherwise, is an ■■■■■■■■ not to will it.