The GIANTS are excited to announce the signing of experienced defender Vivien Saad as a delisted free agent from the Gold Coast Suns.
Saad, a talented and versatile player capable of playing as a key defender, key forward or in the ruck, brings a wealth of experience to the GIANTS with 43 AFLW games to her name, having played for both the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne.
Saad was originally recruited by North Melbourne as a mature-aged replacement player ahead of the 2020 season and went on to play 16 games across two years for the Kangaroos before being traded to the Suns in the 2021 trade period.
A former basketballer, Saad is known for her exceptional game sense and versatility, with the 32-year-old an exciting addition to the GIANTS with her ability to play at either end of the ground and in the ruck.
Saad played in all 10 games for the Suns across the 2023 season where she averaged 10 disposals per game and showed significant improvement in her game.
Unfortunately Saad’s 2024 season was marred by injury after partially rupturing her Achilles during a training session early in the season which forced her to miss the Suns’ entire 2024 AFLW campaign.
Despite the setback, Saad has shown immense resilience and determination in her recovery and is focused on returning to her best and starting a new chapter with the GIANTS. She will continue her rehab at her new club and is expected to be back in full training by March, well ahead of the start of pre-season in May.
Having played 27 games for the Suns since joining the club in 2022, Saad has proven herself to be a valuable contributor and the GIANTS are excited to welcome her to their program for 2025.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of AFLW and Football Operations, Alison Zell, welcomed Saad to the club.
“Viv brings a wealth of experience and we are thrilled to have her on board,” Zell said.
“She has shown over a number of years that she is a reliable performer that can play multiple roles and we’reexcited to add someone with her experience and knowledge to our emerging young group.
“Her versatility will make us stronger as a side and we look forward to her continued recovery back to full health and helping us as we strive for a successful 2025 campaign.”
Saad’s signature fills the club’s final list spot for the 2025 AFLW season which was made vacant with injured winger Meghan Gaffney being placed on the club’s inactive list due to her ACL injury sustained in the final round of the 2024 season.
