17 hours ago, monoccular said:

Early days I know, but with Hunt and Wagner starting so well, and H having a far better year, I wonder if Salem will move to a wing, where his vision and disposal skills could more complement our developing extractors. 

I don't think so. Salem does lack a little bit of speed. Perhaps it will come when he strengthens his core, but at present, it isn't there. Classy by foot? Yes. Great execution? Yes.. mostly. He has a lot of strings to his bow, but he doesn't have pace, he could be exposed (IMO) on the wing. Personally I think we have Salem down back because he is less exposed, and can still contribute - we can still use his great skills. I think that is the intention anyway (just speculating). The reason why I think it is a lesser concern in the long term is that I believe Salem is a pure midfielder. He is an in tight player, as a midfielder he won't be exposed as much on the outside, especially given his sublime skills. I think Salem is equally as tough as Jack Viney in close, but better on the inside, just doesn't have the body for it atm. He is also one of our best tacklers - which we will see when he breaks into the midfield. I am pretty one eyed Salem. I think a lot of his game depends on his physicality, and at present, he doesn't have the build for that, hence why he is treading water in the back line.

Where is this kid at.. Personally I think he hasn't shown anymore than he did in his first few games. When he first came into the side he was a hard nut who laid big tackles and worked hard around the half forward line. I feel like he just coasts through games picks up 15 touches each week, uses it fairly well but he just has no impact on games. He was released off half back and into the midfield yesterday and he didn't have much influence on the game. I am not having a go at the kid considering his only played 30 games and had his fair share of injuries, just interested to see where other people think his at.. He just doesn't seem to have come on and taken that next step yet

playing to safe

Playing his designated role to Roos' satisfaction.

Given he was brought straight back into the team rather then through Casey, he must be playing his role to Roos satisfaction.

I agree, he does seem to just be coasting however.  Would love to see him have a breakout game.

28 games into his career and he is a nice player. He is already worth his spot, but definitely has another level or 2 in him.

knowing Roos, he would have pushed him to get the defensive side of game rock solid first.  im expecting a big 2nd half of the year from this fella

I really think he needs to spend more mid/HF time. Salem and Watts imo are our best kicks so we need them executing the hardest kicks for us, delivering the ball inside 50.

He's a classy player, i think he'll end up being a midfielder above all else but needs to build his tank, same as Petracca, Brayshaw, Oliver and co

8 hours ago, DubDee said:

knowing Roos, he would have pushed him to get the defensive side of game rock solid first.  im expecting a big 2nd half of the year from this fella

Let's hope he can stay injury free to get a run at it. Touch wood.

He isn't close to his ceiling yet in terms of development. I still think his is ahead of any other options we have off half back.

I rate him, but like many are waiting for that big game where he just uses his skills and takes control of the game. He will get there.

13 hours ago, DubDee said:

knowing Roos, he would have pushed him to get the defensive side of game rock solid first.  im expecting a big 2nd half of the year from this fella

...only trouble is, it's not anywhere near rock solid.

He played a bit of midfield on the weekend coming up onto the wing and spending a little time in the centre. He needs to get more clear ball to use his weapon which is his kicking.

Well i must be the only one who seem to think he is developing just fine..

I think Salem is travelling fine, but he is being played out of position, he ain't a defender.