2015 Player Review - # 3 Christian Salem

[Demonland 65,711]

Just when it looked as though he was about to gain recognition in the football world as a player of true quality, recurring hamstring problems put him out of the game for two months. Salem returned late in the season to show that he has the skills, poise, hardness and a football brain to justify the great expectations of him for the future.

Games MFC 2015 10

Career Total 22

Goals MFC 2015 1

Career Total 7

Games CSFC 2015 3

Goals CSFC 2015 1

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 113 votes

[Nasher 33,129]

I originally posted this in the Viney thread in response to Webber, but it probably belongs here instead:

When thinking of a player whose attributes include: soft featured, smallish, classy ball user, you don't expect the next item to be: hard as a cat's head, but that's the case for Salem.

As someone described him last weekend after that tackle on Cameron: the baby faced assassin.

[Demonland 65,711]

I originally posted this in the Viney thread in response to Webber, but it probably belongs here instead:

When thinking of a player whose attributes include: soft featured, smallish, classy ball user, you don't expect the next item to be: hard as a cat's head, but that's the case for Salem.

As someone described him last weekend after that tackle on Cameron: the baby faced assassin.

Thanks Nasher. I'm going to add the word "hardness" to that resume above .

Cheers

[Webber 10,150]

I originally posted this in the Viney thread in response to Webber, but it probably belongs here instead:

When thinking of a player whose attributes include: soft featured, smallish, classy ball user, you don't expect the next item to be: hard as a cat's head, but that's the case for Salem.

As someone described him last weekend after that tackle on Cameron: the baby faced assassin.

A very apt description, Nasher. The fact that he looks an unlikely type for hardness and pure ability is going to keep surprising observers for years I suspect.

[dazzledavey36 48,933]

This kid is a beast. Can see why there was a comparison to Hodge, he simply breaks tackles and hits the contest hard.

His last few games showed why we badly missed him this year. I have no doubt if he has a big summer we will see him move into the midfield. Fortunately he is just important down back aswell.

[whatwhat say what 19,171]

the comparison with hodge makes perfect sense and not just because of the way that he plays but also in that he's struggling with his body in his first couple of seasons.

we need him to have a good run with injury.

i still think half-back moving into the midfield - a la hodge - is his best and most likely position. let him start behind the ball and control the play, and then move into the middle as the play dictates requirements.

[FarNorthernD 5,848]

Christian will be part of the core group of players at the Club that will help drag this team through mediocrity and into becoming a very good team. He is almost as important to us as Hogan

[beelzebub 22,237]

I like this lad. He has skills and ability. More importantly he can play footy. He has some mates who can too.

Funny really isn't it....when talking about the good ones there's not a lot you need to say.

I enjoy watching him play, immensely.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

He is almost as important to us as Hogan

yeah nah

[Return to Glory 7,749]

Bulldogs were all over the Crows last night except for hitting targets when it mattered. That's where Salem can prove real value.

[Bang Bang Bang 5,510]

Not sure why people want to see him move to the midfield. He looked totally comfortable in defence and that's where we need his skill set the most.

[Webber 10,150]

Not sure why people want to see him move to the midfield. He looked totally comfortable in defence and that's where we need his skill set the most.

simply because you want your best users and decision makers to get as much of the ball as possible. Being an on-baller is the way you get this.

[beelzebub 22,237]

Salem can still use the ball as play works through the guts but im sure he'll settle into the little Generals role off half back.

[KingDingAling 3,613]

I think Salem is the best talent we've had at the club in a long while. I expect he'll tear it up in 2016. The kid has very few flaws in his game, he has just been injured. I think he'll be a standout mid once he gets that chance. Classy, tough, hard at it, well balanced, doesn't rush in, doesn't waste the football, precise kick. I would be shocked if he didn't end up an elite player.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,092]

Future A grader! Sorely missed this year.

[jumbo returns 6,504]

I'm scared of him, too.

Someone got a gif thing that shows his tackle on Cameron last week?

[Deestroy All 14,262]

Better than Kelly?

GWS are the team I've seen the least. From what I've seen + bias = Salem.

[Gator 16,893]

I think he'll end up a midfielder, but I wouldn't be in any rush to move him.

[What 18,810]

Elite kick. Elite reader of the play. Courageous. Fierce. Hard tackler. Great overhead mark. Fast. Strong. Versatile.

Just turned 20 two months ago.

Not only did we not stuff up a pick in the area of the draft we traditionally screw up, we nailed it big time.

Edited September 13, 2015 by hogans_heroes

[Ted Lasso 16,892]

I wanna see this kid on ball in 2016, if he gets into space anywhere near the forward 50 it's going to hit Hogan on the chest.

[Winners at last 4,761]

He's a ripper. Definite A grader as long as his hammies hold out.

[P-man 13,224]

I think he'll end up a midfielder, but I wouldn't be in any rush to move him.

Spot on. Happy to see him continue to give us that elite ball user out of the back half that we sorely lack, but in time he will become a midfielder and a damn good one.

it says a lot that Petracca names him as someone to look up to. Somewhat damning on the other senior players but a testament to Christian.

Fingers crossed for an uninterrupted 2016.

[Dees_In_October 3,346]

I'm scared of him, too.

Someone got a gif thing that shows his tackle on Cameron last week?

[Adzman 2,085]

I have mentioned in other threads that I think he could be our best player in two years time. There is something about him, and if he can stay fit and string 2 seasons together I expect big things from Garry Junior.

[Ted Lasso 16,892]

I remember chatting to Macca at Pre season training during a match simulation drill ( Macca was kinda just introducing himself to supporters and shouting the odd comment to the players) and Salem did one of those we've through 5 blokes and hit Hogan lace out things he does and Macca just said " keep an eye on this kid, he's a beauty "

sums it up pretty well.