2017 Player Reviews: # 3 Christian Salem

[Demonland 72,173]

WHICH SALEM?

After shaking off last year's thyroid issues, the young Demon's season was going well (bar an unlucky suspension incurred in the first North Melbourne game) until he suffered a hamstring injury in the Demons' gritty three-point win against West Coast.

He never fully recovered his earlier form on return from that injury, was dropped to play in the VFL where he was again suspended, and he was inconspicuous when he came back for the last game against the Magpies.

The Demons will be hoping for a return of the real Salem and a more consistent and injury free year from the young defender whose exceptional disposal skills make him such a valuable player when on his game. 

Date of Birth: July 15, 1995

Height: 183cm

Weight: 83kg

Games MFC 2017: 16

Career Total: 46

Goals MFC 2017: 5

Career Total: 13

Games 2017 CDFC: 1

Goals 2017 CDFC: 1

 

Season 2017 AFL Statistics

Kicks: 219

Handballs: 124

Disposals: 343

Marks: 73

Scores: 5 goals 0 behinds

Goal Assists: 14

Tackles: 54

Hitouts: 0

Clearances: 17

Clangers: 38

Inside 50s: 26

Rebound 50s: 61

Frees For: 15

Frees Against: 7

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,294]

Disappointing year for mine, even before injury I don`t remember him really standing out in a game.

I still think he has enormous upside and I`m a big fan of his, however, injuries aside we should be seeing his best ability on a regular basis by now.

[hemingway 7,627]

He is one of a group of young players that really need to step up next  year if we are going to have a good season.  He will need to have a clear run from health and injury issues.

He has the ability, so let's hope he can find form and be able to dominate in a position. 

 

[Ouch! 2,262]

I think he still has some improvement in him, and hopefully next year he takes another step. 

I don't think it was a terrible year, but like many of our players he struggled late in the season and certainly after his injury he didn't come back strongly.

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,503]

I'm starting to think he's playing out of position at halfback- much like Melksham in the first quarter of the year.

Hopefully if his thyroid is getting under control he can build a tank and move into the midfield full time.  Think he could be a real weapon in there and forward of centre.

[beelzebub 23,352]

? Funny...crying out for outside mids with good footskills 

[Adzman 2,154]

He was my tip for biggest breakout player in 2017. Instead I'm left waiting for the real Salem to please stand up.

2018 is make or break for him.

[jackaub 1,402]

Completely underwhelming I know he has health issues

Not a backman too loose maybe build some speed and tank and play him on the outside

Poor choice at pick 9 even Zac Jones has shown more

[old dee 23,788]

Mr Salem is challenging for the honour of most games lost through injury.

There is a pattern forming, he cannot stay on the park and seems to loose all form when returning from injury.

Doubtful long term performer IMO.

I would trade given the right deal.

Edited September 12, 2017 by old dee

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,817]

One of the disappointment stories of 2017.

The fact that in his 4th year at the club nobody has a clue on his best position would suggest to me that he's a failed top 10 draft pick. 

[whatwhat say what 22,745]

had a shocking year BUT if we are to be a better side in 2018, salem playing consistent football will be a huge part of it

he was okay - but only okay - up until the hamstring issue and his inability to get through a season unscathed (and then return from any injury in any sense of form) has him marked in my book as a 'maybe' player

has a lot of skill and is clearly talented but his injury propensity, inability to stay on the park, form upon return, and occasional serious defensive accountability disappearing acts are disheartening

we NEED him to be a good player

[old dee 23,788]

4 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

had a shocking year BUT if we are to be a better side in 2018, salem playing consistent football will be a huge part of it

he was okay - but only okay - up until the hamstring issue and his inability to get through a season unscathed (and then return from any injury in any sense of form) has him marked in my book as a 'maybe' player

has a lot of skill and is clearly talented but his injury propensity, inability to stay on the park, form upon return, and occasional serious defensive accountability disappearing acts are disheartening

we NEED him to be a good player

Sadly DA I think what have seen is what we are going to get.

[beelzebub 23,352]

1 minute ago, old dee said:

Sadly DA I think what have seen is what we are going to get.

Not so sure ( but maybe )

Needs a better role. 2018 do or die 

[whatwhat say what 22,745]

1 minute ago, old dee said:

Sadly DA I think what have seen is what we are going to get.

i think you can teach good defensive habits and accountability - you can't teach natural skill and ability

he has those key attributes

[poita 3,902]

Salem has all the attributes to be a very good player, but he was a major disappointment (again) this year. The fact that he was suspended twice for utterly stupid acts suggests that a lot of his problems are above the shoulders.

I agree that he is not a defender, but he also isn't fit enough, nor does he work hard enough, to play midfield. As others have said, we are four years in and he still hasn't cemented a place in the team.

If we need a decent player to get a trade over the line, his would be the first name I put forward. I suspect plenty of other clubs would see enough positives to think they can make a player out of him.

[old dee 23,788]

3 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

i think you can teach good defensive habits and accountability - you can't teach natural skill and ability

he has those key attributes

But he cannot stay on the park DA.

all the talent in the world does not win games if you are in the outer with us.

[whatwhat say what 22,745]

Just now, old dee said:

But he cannot stay on the park DA.

all the talent in the world does not win games if you are in the outer with us.

one hammy, two suspensions in 2017 is better than thyroid in 2016 and three (?) hamstrings in 2015

[old dee 23,788]

5 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

Not so sure ( but maybe )

Needs a better role. 2018 do or die 

Is close to the top of my trade list bb. If using him in a trade that got Lever I would do oin a heart beat.

[beelzebub 23,352]

Thats the real problem and i agree Old. Folk not on the track aren't much help, nor does it do much for developing that tank he needs to repurpose himself.

[old dee 23,788]

1 minute ago, DemonAndrew said:

one hammy, two suspensions in 2017 is better than thyroid in 2016 and three (?) hamstrings in 2015

Exactly my point DA.

[whatwhat say what 22,745]

ultimately tho he did play 17 games across afl / vrl in 2017, missing 2 with suspension and 3 with hamstring

it's getting better

if he hadn't been suspended - and they were both borderline suspensions for mine, how he got suspended when some others got fined beggars belief - he would've played 18 / 1 you'd suspect

he's worth far more to us as a player in the side as opposed to as trade bait UNLESS it's to help land a lever and gaff combo

[Forest Demon 4,681]

I rated his pre-injury form higher than most, and thought he was really influential.

Like Watts, he just never got going at all after his injury.

I would have to mark his season as a disappointment for that reason. We need him up and firing consistently, especially at this stage of his career.

[Pennant St Dee 13,172]

Was disappointed in his year but reality is like many on our list and part of the nucleus he is still a fair way from that benchmark 70-80 game mark to become a really consistent player.

I can see him evolving into a Lewis type after another pre season or 2

[old dee 23,788]

21 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

ultimately tho he did play 17 games across afl / vrl in 2017, missing 2 with suspension and 3 with hamstring

it's getting better

if he hadn't been suspended - and they were both borderline suspensions for mine, how he got suspended when some others got fined beggars belief - he would've played 18 / 1 you'd suspect

he's worth far more to us as a player in the side as opposed to as trade bait UNLESS it's to help land a lever and gaff combo

I would trade him for either of those in a heart beat.

[old dee 23,788]

17 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Was disappointed in his year but reality is like many on our list and part of the nucleus he is still a fair way from that benchmark 70-80 game mark to become a really consistent player.

I can see him evolving into a Lewis type after another pre season or 2

You have way better vision than me PSD