2017 Player Reviews: # 3 Christian Salem

[red&blue1982 255]

Had a good year. He was one of the few players that could slow the play down and find teammates. With so many others frantically playing on a causing turnovers, it was good seeing the ball in his hands.

Think back to all the frustrating turnovers throughout the season.

[Dingo 1,137]

I have spoken to Christian's father a couple of times,as he has a restaurant around the corner from my home.His dad told me Christian played his junior/ school footy as a forward.And he was good!So let's move him to a wing or the half forward flank.(Remember those positions?!)

[KingDingAling 3,758]

Salem has been disappointing for mine. He has played some good games, and clearly shows he is up to AFL level - skills are elite. But he inconsistent, and his conditioning never looks up to scratch. I think he could do a lot more in the gym, and do a lot more outside of training. I see Salem as a guy who just does what is required. In 2018 I hope to see changes in his body - physically I'd like to see him put on muscle, and quicken up a bit. He could do a lot more.

[Big Demon 197]

Young player with good skills but it hasn't really worked for him at Melbourne. Could do with a new start somewhere else, has currency and would have no problem finding a new club.

 

[Demons11 7,061]

Will be spewing if he is traded

[beelzebub 23,383]

4 hours ago, KingDingAling said:

Salem has been disappointing for mine. He has played some good games, and clearly shows he is up to AFL level - skills are elite. But he inconsistent, and his conditioning never looks up to scratch. I think he could do a lot more in the gym, and do a lot more outside of training. I see Salem as a guy who just does what is required. In 2018 I hope to see changes in his body - physically I'd like to see him put on muscle, and quicken up a bit. He could do a lot more.

KDA  I cant actually disagree with the bolded.

Can I indulge you though for the moment to consider how else those outcomes might have eventuated ?

If we are looking at the same scent in 12 months..hell Ill personally drive the lad to his new club.  In the meantime I'm wagering 2018 will be a blinder for him !!

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,275]

I'll be pretty disappointed if we trade him.

He only just turned 22 and has dealt with a lot of injuries and illnesses early in his career.

Before getting injured he played some great games.

[WERRIDEE 5,534]

I wouldn't say he had a good year he got dropped for a reason, too laconic at times like Watts. I'd like to see him get fitter so he can go through the middle more. Not sure if he is best 22, he shouldn't be traded though.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,346]

On 12/09/2017 at 11:01 AM, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

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.

Definitely this. He is a midfield/half-forward, his disposal is nice off half back but we often get hurt by his opponent and he is easily taken out if games. He can win a contested ball and can use it well. He also has great goal sense, something that is intuitive. If he doesn't have the tank to play middle I'd rather see him as a rotating wing/half forward than wing/half back.

Edited September 16, 2017 by Dr. Gonzo

[beelzebub 23,383]

I too think he's playing at the wrong end of the square. He has great radar for the sticks. 

Build his tank. Keep him.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,346]

1 minute ago, beelzebub said:

I too think he's playing at the wrong end of the square. He has great radar for the sticks. 

Build his tank. Keep him.

Yep and there are clear reasons why he hasn't been able to build that tank yet. Last year was effectively his first preseason with the club after battling thyroid issues, particularly last year. If we're having this same conversation in 12 months we may need to see what he is worth on the market but at the moment I think with another solid preseason (and for God's sake don't have him carrying bags of bricks this year) he can be an automatic selection next year.

[jnrmac 20,189]

16 hours ago, Demons11 said:

Will be spewing if he is traded

Not necessarily. You don't know what he might be traded for.

I'm not against trading anyone if its an upgrade but you do have to be careful about tearing the fabric of the club. Particularly after what we have been through.

[Ted Lasso 19,549]

He looks good through the middle but we seem to have to move him to half back because vince seemed to lose his kicking skills a little and he looked a little less comfortable there 

[hells bells 2,023]

He's been told to prepare to play midfield next year. 

[SFebes 4,884]

Brayshaw to take HBF position and Salem to the wing. He's one of the few that can kick. He can play the "Gaff" role (if fit).

[beelzebub 23,383]

On 16/09/2017 at 5:58 PM, Abe said:

He looks good through the middle but we seem to have to move him to half back because vince seemed to lose his kicking skills a little and he looked a little less comfortable there 

With a tank he could prove a very capable outsider. With a tank !!

[Ted Lasso 19,549]

On 16/09/2017 at 10:59 PM, hells bells said:

He's been told to prepare to play midfield next year. 

Yep. He and petracca will both play mostly in the midfield next year and will need to be physically ready to do so. 

Its scary how good our midfield could be