AHMED SAAD debuted in his first AFL match against the Hawks on Saturday night, six years after first picking up a football.

The 22 year old grew up in Egypt playing soccer and played for the Northern Bullants in Melbourne before being recruited to the Saints last year.

Working on his form over the pre-season, Saad was able to prove his skills in the NAB Cup, but he said his Round 6 debut game was a lot more exciting.

“It was awesome, it was a really good feeling.  I just couldn’t wait to get out there and play.  It was definitely a different feeling,” said Saad post-match.

“It’s much more quicker intensity-wise.  You switch off for one second and the ball’s on the other side so it’s definitely much quicker.”

The wingman was subbed in after half-time after Sam Fisher came off with a hamstring injury.

Saad said coming on half-way through allowed him to take in the crowd before getting out on the field.

“I started as a sub (for the game), so I guess that gave me a way to take it all in and sit there and just watch the game to see how it’s going and get used to the crowd,” said Saad.

“So when I came on I was pretty used to the crowd which was good.”

Ten minutes later, Saad booted an important goal for the Saints.

“It was good to get a goal early and get my confidence up.  I think the scores were close then so it was good to get one out.”

In his post-game press conference Senior Coach Scott Watters said his emerging group was presented with some big jobs in the game and was pleased with their effort.

“(Saad’s) a player that we have high hopes for,” said Scott Watters.

“There were some big jobs asked of some younger players tonight.  That’s a great experience for them, you know Milera , Saad, Siposs.  It’s terrific exposure for them to go forward.”

Saad is hoping to cement a spot in the side ahead of the Saints’ Round 7 clash against Carlton on Monday 14 May.

“Hopefully I’ve done all I can, so I’ll take this week to recover and see what the coaches think and take it from there.”

Ahmed Saad's Stats:
Kicks 2
Handballs
Disposals 5
Tackles 2
Goals 1
Dream Team points 20