The AFL Commission is set to confirm that St Kilda's Ahmed Saad will be allowed to resume training with club from January, despite being banned from playing until the end of February due to his doping suspension.



St Kilda's chief operating officer Ameet Bains said the AFL Commission was expected to allow Saad to train - a ruling in line with new government legislation on doping - at its scheduled meeting on Monday. "I think it will be a formality," he said.



Saad was drafted back by the Saints in the rookie draft and has been training alone under the guidance of ex-Collingwood player Adam Iacobucci, who captained Saad at the Northern Bullants (now Blues).



Saad's situation differs from the 34 current and former Essendon players, who are only under provisional suspension - their cases begin at the AFL tribunal on Monday - and have been permitted to train since infraction notices were issued in November.



The Saints were willing to draft Saad, who was suspended for 18 months after having a positive drug test in the 2013 season, on the back of his improved physical testing. Saad's positive test was due to taking a sports drink and was suspended for 18 months by the tribunal on November 26, 2013.

Bains said Saad had managed personal bests for speed, strength and endurance in testing and these performances were "a big factor" in the club's decision to select him in the rookie draft.



St Kilda selected the speedy Saad, who has played 29 games for 45 goals, with pick No.19 in the rookie draft. Carlton had expressed interest in Saad before the rookie draft, as did Collingwood.

Ahmed Saad was drafted back by the Saints in the rookie draft. Credit:Pat Scala

ASADA appealed his 18-month suspension, arguing unsuccessfully for a two-year ban.



Saad returned a positive drug test for methyl synephrine HCL, which is banned for use on game day. He acknowledged he had used a product - Viking Protein's "Before Battle" - regularly without knowing it was not permitted on match days.



Meanwhile, the Saints are revamping their recruiting department and are likely to hire two additional staff, including a "pro scout" who focuses on players inside the AFL.



Bains said the Saints would be hiring a pro scout and were likely to also hire a recruiter who was assigned to the younger, unproven talent in the TAC Cup and the state leagues.



He said the addition of a pro scout was "more critical" due to the advent of free agency and the greater number of trades of seasoned players in the AFL.



Bains said the incoming recruiters would report to recruiting head Tony Elshaug. The club is also seeking a new football operations manager to replace head of football Chris Pelchen.

