Jump to content

Discussion on recent allegations about the use of illicit drugs in football is forbidden
  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


King: Move Salem Up the Ground


Demonland

Recommended Posts

David King would like to see Melbourne push Christian Salem further up the ground.

Salem has played 106 games for the Dees since being taken at pick nine in the 2013 National Draft, mostly across half back.

King believes the skilful ball user could help solve Melbourne’s woes going forward, given they’re one of the least efficient sides in the competition kicking inside 50.

“It’s a great call to get more out of him. How do you maximise your best talents? Where do you place them?” King told SEN Breakfast.

“How do you get the ball in his hands as often as possible? I think you want your best kicks kicking the ball inside 50 and that’s been Melbourne’s problem, capitalising on inside 50 opportunities.

“I think he has to be challenged to go to a wing or even half forward."

  • Like 6
  • Thanks 1
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If he could play on the wing that's fair and good but half forward a bit of a stretch we already have Fritsch and Melksham there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's not as though we've never played him up the ground. But Salem's produced his best footy (by far) at half back. I do think he should be encouraged to take more risks though.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wingmen mainly get the ball at half back. It's a furphy that wings deliver the ball inside 50. The wing isn't a precision ball use position either. Mostly it's about busting your backside getting in to space then moving the ball on safely often with long kicks.

Half forward is the same. Gut running with the occasional hit up kick. Kozzie and Spargo are actually far better at that than most supporters give them credit.

For Salem it's either half back or on ball. 

If we move him on ball then we're weaker at half back and even more congested on ball. I'm not against doing that. But we didn't make any moves in trade week to remove a midfielder and find a half back flanker.

If we did Brayshaw or Viney out for Saad, Zac Williams etc in then Salem on ball would be a lock. 

We need to wait and see what we get from the draft, but the designated half back kicker is a vital position. We need more classy ball use on ball but I actually think if it's one of Rivers or Salem to move on ball I prefer Rivers.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, I freaking hate this.

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

“I think he has to be challenged to go to a wing or even half forward."

The last challenge David King had was to pass a breathalyzer. 

Salem isn't coasting at half back, he's working really hard. Could he be given more responsibilities by going on ball - yes. But it's hardly a challenge.

The challenge is for our coaches and list management team to build a more complete side.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He did play forward in his first year or 2 and was good.

He is the master of those little kicks that find a target, and they would be more useful at half forward leading to direct shots on goal rather than slowing momentum at half back imo.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Very handy to have a player who is effective at half back but has the body and attitude to get into the thick of it when needed.  I daresay he would have been used a lot more up the ground in 2020 if the quarters hadn't been shortened so much.

King isn't exactly breaking new ground with this suggestion; it has been discussed pretty thoroughly on here by wiser heads than his!  :laugh:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He doesn't need to be shifted up the ground to be effective Christian is playing his role from half back and breaking the lines consistently  He has the capacity to run forward and hit his target, He is so good at it.

We have one Salem and he plays an important role for us. As the saying goes Rob Peter to pay Paul.  Not in this case.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

If Melksham really is as cooked as he looked this year, maybe Salem can move into that role.

He should be way more damaging than he currently is.

One of Melksham's attributes (at least in the past) has been his ability to one on one aerial contests with clever body positioning and good overhead abilities. I think this is one of the major things that allowed him to survive the chop, despite him deserving it IMHO. I'm not sure that Salem has that ability to affect contests in the air.

Salem is a little bit of a tough cookie, I like him off half back but I'm not entirely sure if that's utilising his abilities. I'd like to see him tried potentially on the wing opposite to Langdon but I don't think he's quick enough or has a big enough tank. Half forward I'm not sure there's a place for him with a number of similar sized players already there.

I'd really love to see him further up the ground but I'm not sure how it would work.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm big in the camp of Salem moving up to the wing where I think he'd be the perfect compliment to Langdon. Problem with Salem at half back is that he's not a line breaking kick. He's very good at hitting targets but his kicks don't travel fast through the air, they are more chip kicks which is what you want for your forwards to lead to because they are easier to mark, hence why he should be pushed up to a wing. 

Salem was actually second in our team for distance run per game, he has gradually been building his tank, which he could work on even more as his last pre season was interrupted by a bout of glandular fever if my memory serves me correctly. Whilst he's not the quickest we have Langdon on the other wing who is quick where Salem compliments him with the ball use.

Salem also does some of his best work around stoppages where some his best attributes is his vision, decision making, clean foot and hand skills. I'd like to see him played in a specialised "inside winger" at stoppages where he roams the back of the stoppages looking for the handball receive where he hits up a target inside 50, a high half forward, or can make the handball to start a scoring chain. Sort of like how Collingwood play Sidebottom or GWS play Kelly I think Salem has similar traits and could make much more of a difference on a wing in a specialised role than he does at half back. 

  • Like 4
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Gawndog98 said:

I'm big in the camp of Salem moving up to the wing where I think he'd be the perfect compliment to Langdon. Problem with Salem at half back is that he's not a line breaking kick. He's very good at hitting targets but his kicks don't travel fast through the air, they are more chip kicks which is what you want for your forwards to lead to because they are easier to mark, hence why he should be pushed up to a wing. 

Salem was actually second in our team for distance run per game, he has gradually been building his tank, which he could work on even more as his last pre season was interrupted by a bout of glandular fever if my memory serves me correctly. Whilst he's not the quickest we have Langdon on the other wing who is quick where Salem compliments him with the ball use.

Salem also does some of his best work around stoppages where some his best attributes is his vision, decision making, clean foot and hand skills. I'd like to see him played in a specialised "inside winger" at stoppages where he roams the back of the stoppages looking for the handball receive where he hits up a target inside 50, a high half forward, or can make the handball to start a scoring chain. Sort of like how Collingwood play Sidebottom or GWS play Kelly I think Salem has similar traits and could make much more of a difference on a wing in a specialised role than he does at half back. 

Great points GD98 I have called this  in about half a dozen posts since the end of 2020.
Salos last 6 games this season had real impact with greater speed running urgency and the tank he built from going to USA with Trac last preseason For that training camp/workshops.

Half forward for me and an occasional run  on the ball maybe  changing with Viney at forward stoppages to utilise his elite skills of disposal or even kicking goals!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Also, I freaking hate this.

The last challenge David King had was to pass a breathalyzer. 

Salem isn't coasting at half back, he's working really hard. Could he be given more responsibilities by going on ball - yes. But it's hardly a challenge.

The challenge is for our coaches and list management team to build a more complete side

Breathalyzer Comment is up there for the best of the year

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Who replaces him at half back?

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Our record converting players isn’t too flash. We’ve tried players on the wing with more suitable attributes that have been a bust and Salem will be no different. Leave him where he is and where he’s been learning his trade for the last 100 odd games. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


moving him up field is good in theory and mfc have tried him up field a couple of times and his deficiencies show through. maybe he has matured since but lacks a yard of pace, instinctive thinking, and is very. one sided.  love him at half back

Edited by Demons1858
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

Who replaces him at half back?

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Our record converting players isn’t too flash. We’ve tried players on the wing with more suitable attributes that have been a bust and Salem will be no different. Leave him where he is and where he’s been learning his trade for the last 100 odd games. 

I think Salem has much better attributes as a wingman than many of the players we've tried to play on a wing who have mostly been slow, poor kicking inside mids. Salem is a good half back flank, but I think he can be a very good wingman.

As for who to replace him at half back if he moves up the ground, that's where we can target this position at the draft. Jack Carroll and Nathan O'Driscoll will be around our first two picks and could slot in straight onto a half back flank, as could Jake Bowey and Isiah Winder who will be around the mark at our second and third rounders. If it doesn't work out all those just mentioned can also play on a wing to great effect. 

Otherwise I'd move Hunt back to a half back flank as a short term fix. I still think it's his best position and can really break games back there, and he's a bit awkward as a forward where he kicks goals but doesn't put on much pressure and doesn't get involved much in scoring chains.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

59 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

Who replaces him at half back?

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Our record converting players isn’t too flash. We’ve tried players on the wing with more suitable attributes that have been a bust and Salem will be no different. Leave him where he is and where he’s been learning his trade for the last 100 odd games. 

Yes Jones on the wing was a great move

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, Gawndog98 said:

I think Salem has much better attributes as a wingman than many of the players we've tried to play on a wing who have mostly been slow, poor kicking inside mids. Salem is a good half back flank, but I think he can be a very good wingman.

As for who to replace him at half back if he moves up the ground, that's where we can target this position at the draft. Jack Carroll and Nathan O'Driscoll will be around our first two picks and could slot in straight onto a half back flank, as could Jake Bowey and Isiah Winder who will be around the mark at our second and third rounders. If it doesn't work out all those just mentioned can also play on a wing to great effect. 

Otherwise I'd move Hunt back to a half back flank as a short term fix. I still think it's his best position and can really break games back there, and he's a bit awkward as a forward where he kicks goals but doesn't put on much pressure and doesn't get involved much in scoring chains.

I wouldn’t be using a pick on a half back on the assumption Salem will be a success on the wing. I wouldn’t be moving Hunt back there either. He has found his role in support up forward.

I would definitely use a pick to find a winger.

If its an itch we have to scratch play him there after Baker has had a run (quite likely he’ll be dropped but you never know). If it doesn’t work then revert back quickly. But don’t be wasting picks on a position where we have a perfectly good player in situ.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Pates said:

One of Melksham's attributes (at least in the past) has been his ability to one on one aerial contests with clever body positioning and good overhead abilities. I think this is one of the major things that allowed him to survive the chop, despite him deserving it IMHO. I'm not sure that Salem has that ability to affect contests in the air.

Salem is a little bit of a tough cookie, I like him off half back but I'm not entirely sure if that's utilising his abilities. I'd like to see him tried potentially on the wing opposite to Langdon but I don't think he's quick enough or has a big enough tank. Half forward I'm not sure there's a place for him with a number of similar sized players already there.

I'd really love to see him further up the ground but I'm not sure how it would work.

 

I would try him as a defensive half forward and see how he goes.  He can always move to half back if it doesn't work out.

All I know is that he is not a midfielder / winger.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, Forest Demon said:

He did play forward in his first year or 2 and was good.

He is the master of those little kicks that find a target, and they would be more useful at half forward leading to direct shots on goal rather than slowing momentum at half back imo.

That's the issue. Its a good thing BUT we're not getting the best value out of that.

He and Melksham have the ability to kick those flat 50m darts through the corridor  that can break open the play and oppo defences.

If he's going to play defence we need to get more out of his kicking ability than dinky 15m chip passes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’d be more open to rotating him thru the guts if we’re looking to improve our connection from clearance/stoppage. 
 

He said in his draft year that he models his game on Luke Hodge - he certainly doesn’t have the brutality of Hodge but around the ball and making smart decisions and delivering efficiently is a lot of potential imv. 
Should look to work a rotation with Gus. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all.    On that rainy Friday night at the Adelaide Oval, Ken Hinkley’s young midfield secured much more than four points on offer. The victory over one of the big dogs of the competition after a succession of wins over some of its lesser lights gave his team respect and validation fo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter. By the time they worked out it was game on, their opponents from Box Hill had accumulated five goals and, if the game wasn’t over, it might as well have been. For a se

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head. The Demons have now won nine of their last ten encounters with the other result, a draw.     And like a fork, it was the multi-pronged options that Melbourne had all across the ground.  It certainly helped that Hawthorn

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 8

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in the Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 262

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 25th March @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Hawks in the Round 02. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 357

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

    Discussion of all the other games that don't involve the Demons in Round 03 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The boys dissected the clinical thrashing of Hawks praising the immense performance of Christian Petracca whilst lamenting the injury toll to our defensive unit ... LISTEN

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head out on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out? ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

    After 167 games including the drought breaking Premiership Angus Brayshaw has made the heart breaking decision to medically retire from football as a result of a series of serious head knocks over his nearly decade of footy. We wish Gus all the best and he'll always be a hero at Demonland ... READ MORE

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club’s newest recruit Koltyn Tholstrup to have a chat about his journey from the farm to the Demons, his first few weeks of preseason training, which Dees have impressed him on the track and his aspirations of playing Round 1 ... LISTEN

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club's National Recruitment Manager Jason Taylor to have a chat about our Trade and Draft period, our newest recruits, our recent recruits who have yet to debut as well as those father son prospects on the horizon ... LISTEN

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

    Saturday 30th March 2024
    @ 07:30pm (AO)

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


      PLAYER INJURY LENGTH
    Jake Lever Knee Test
    Clayton Oliver Hand Test
    Oliver Sestan Concussion Test
    Steven May Ribs 1 Week
    Lachie Hunter Calf 1 Week
    Daniel Turner Hip 2-3 Weeks
    Charlie Spargo Achilles 2-4 Weeks
    Shane McAdam Hamstring 3-5 Weeks
    Jake Bowey Shoulder 7 Weeks
    Jake Melksham ACL 12-14 Weeks
    Joel Smith Suspension TBA

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Christian Petracca 27
    2 Steven May 25
    3 Max Gawn 21
    4 Jack Viney 20
    5 Bayley Fritsch 19
    6 Clayton Oliver 18
    7 Christian Salem 12
    8 Blake Howes 11
    9 Jack Billings 10
    9 Alex Neal-Bullen 10

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...