Having rarely touched a football to training in the nation’s top league; Vivien Saad has enjoyed quite the journey over the last 12 months.

Saad grew up playing basketball, and only really starting looking at footy seriously in 2019, but her focus is now well and truly clear.

“I just want to kind of give it my all when I’m out there, as you don’t know how long you will be out there,” she told Star Weekly.

The video of Saad receiving the news she’d be added to North’s list, replacing pregnant star Jess Duffin, has been a viral hit. Her reaction evidence of just how much the opportunity means.

“It’s very exciting. They approached me about it and they wanted me to be that 31st player,” Saad said.

“To be honest, it took me by surprise. I knew there was a lot to improve on in my game.

“Football has always been on the back of mind for two to three years, but I had never really committed. I thought I would give it a crack and fully commit to it and I did. I haven’t turned back since and I loved it.”

Saad played with Melbourne University in the VFLW competition last year, and quickly caught the eye of North's recruiters. 

“I think with my basketball, I had got to point where I had done what I wanted to do,” she said.

“I finished on good terms with basketball and I loved it, but it was sort of what’s next?

“I played basketball with a great bunch of girls and it was almost like the next step for me that I wanted to give football a crack.

“It’s very exciting.”

And the 27-year-old is already having an impact at Arden Street.

Coach Scott Gowans recently speaking about her approach to improvement. 

“A little known fact with Vivien is she organised at 7.45am every Monday morning to come in for a kick,” he said in a North Media feature.

“She knew kicking was her issue and all through winter she came in and did those sessions for half an hour and slowly improved.

“She works so hard. She went away, took the lessons and learnt.

“I think she’ll provide something to the group. She’s got an infectious personality, and I think she’ll certainly play some AFLW games this year.”