Former Roo and Sun Viv Saad will play her first match at AFLW level since 2023 this weekend against the Blues, after overcoming a partial rupture of her Achilles and switching clubs at the end of 2024.
Saad won’t have played a game at the highest level in 716 days, having previously notched 43 matches across six seasons, playing two seasons with North Melbourne before she joined the Gold Coast in 2022.
The 175cm utility can be deployed at either end of the ground as well as in the ruck, with her height making her an important asset against the Blues, who favour a kicking game.
Relentless in both her recovery and work to retake her place at AFLW level, Saad has been one of GIANTS’ best performers in AFLW scrimmage throughout the year.
Saad will be joined by Aliesha Newman, who re-enters the team after featuring twice this season across rounds eight and nine.
Newman adds plenty of speed, as well as experience to Bernasconi’s side, with 65 AFLW games under her belt.
The GIANTS travel to Melbourne to face the Blues at Ikon Park at 3:05pm on Sunday.
