Controversial forward Ahmed Saad was a late St Kilda inclusion to play in Saturday night’s AFL clash against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Saad is under investigation by the AFL after providing an irregular drug sample last month but is permitted to play while his case is being looked at.

The 23-year old was named as an emergency late on Friday afternoon after Trent Dennis-Lane was scratched and then included in the Saints’ final team when Jack Newnes was ruled out by illness.

Before leaving for Brisbane on Friday morning, coach Scott Watters said he believed Saad’s positive test was an isolated incident with no further implication for the club.

If charged, Saad would face an AFL Tribunal hearing and, under the anti-doping code, use or possession of a prohibited substance can lead to a two-year ban for a first violation.