West Preston-Lakeside co-captain Ahmed Saad says a chance to create a dynasty is motivating his side as it enters the 2021 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 season.
The Roosters became the first club in a decade to win back-to-back NFNL senior flags when they completed the double in 2018 and 2019, which included overcoming a 0-6 start in the 2019 season.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, Saad said the Roosters’ playing group was refreshed and thrilled to be back playing footy again.
“I think the boys have come back pretty energised after the year off,” Saad said.
“I think everyone’s going to be in the same boat. No one’s played footy for a year. It’s like going back to school again.
“We had a couple of guys that were injured or were potentially going to miss a bit of last year, so it was good for them to obviously get that rest and get their bodies right.
“We know it’s going to be tough to start with, but in general I think everyone’s looking forward to enjoying playing footy again and not just for the teams and players, but the communities and everyone around the club and for local footy in general.”
West Preston-Lakeside will head into the new season with almost the exact same list it intended to field in 2020.
The Roosters are set to unleash 2020 recruits Josh Iacabaccio and Ethan Penrith, as well as 2018 premiership teammates Adam Valeri and Carl Adams – who have returned after spending 2019 abroad.
Saad felt the minimal departures from the football club was a testament to the great culture that has been created at J.E. Moore Park.
“It’s great knowing that all the players have re-signed with the club. It shows that all the boys know we’ve got a successful club on our hands,” he said.
“We still think we’re good enough to compete for a number of years. Our list is pretty young, and we got some quality players, quality people and quality coaches and there’s just no reason for anybody to leave.
“We picked up a few that were gonna play with us in 2020, so they will be like new recruits.
“If anything, I believe our list is probably stronger going into this year than it was last year.”
West Preston-Lakeside is expected to remain the benchmark in the upcoming Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 campaign as it hunts a third-consecutive premiership.
If the Roosters can do so, they will be within touching distance of joining Heidelberg (2006-2009) and Northcote Park (1999-2002) as the only clubs in league history to win four-consecutive Division 1 premierships.
Saad is confident the motivation within the club is still as strong as ever to create a dynasty.
“To win three flags is pretty rare and to do it in a row is even more rare, so that’s what we want,” he said.
“We want to make history. We want to be one of the best clubs going around.
“We understand we’re going to be the hunted and in 2019 we didn’t take it too well, starting 0-6. We can’t give the competition another head start like that again.
“We know teams are going be coming for us and we’ve got to make sure we’re prepared this year. We think that we are, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The 31-year-old will hope to continue to produce at the same lofty level of the past three seasons, a period which included 231 goals, three Division 1 Team of the Year nominations and two Leading Goal Kicker awards.
While wanting to continue his output on the field, Saad is also keen to mentor and develop his younger teammates.
“As a player and obviously one of the captains of the club, (my goal) is to keep developing the young guys,” he said.
“I definitely want to make sure that I play my role for the team and that’s not just kicking goals, it’s also all the other things that come with that. Putting pressure on, leading by example and making sure I’m doing what I can for the team.”
West Preston-Lakeside begins its premiership defence on Saturday when it hosts Bundoora at J.E. Moore Park from 1:30pm.
