Salem plays if fit. He will be better for the end of the season but he can do things that 30 players on the field can’t and he is hard as nails and will make the opponent think when near the footy. That’s gold for HBF.

If Hibbo has gastro no way will he be be playing, not only would he be completely cooked but would likely spread it to other team mates, fair chance more will be impacted before the game even if they take the field.

3 hours ago, Mr Steve said:

If fit he is in - you never leave out your best.

I’ll never forget his first half in the grand final.

4 hours ago, jnrmac said:

I looked this up before and was surprised at his running ability. Its not that obvious.

 

4 hours ago, jnrmac said:

I looked this up before and was surprised at his running ability. Its not that obvious.

It may well have been in the past, seen in training sessions and onfield at times during games yet recently, I suspect that he is hamstrung by a niggle or two as his pace does not appear to be so astute. Hence, I questioned his relative running abilities for the game. He still remains one of the best talents we have and has been previously - a skilful exponent of the game.

7 hours ago, jnrmac said:

I think you are making stuff up. Salem is better than Bowey in most categories. He might well have been a Norm Smith Medallist he was that good.

 

As for running further...

Top-five most distance covered per game in 2021

Ed Langdon, 15.30km
Christian Salem, 14.20km
Alex Neal-Bullen, 13.88km
Clayton Oliver, 13.61km
Jake Bowey, 13.33km

Top-five most distance covered in a game in 2020
Ed Langdon, 13.3km v Sydney, round 15
Christian Salem, 13.3km v Gold Coast, round 6
Ed Langdon, 13.1km v GWS Giants, round 17
Christian Salem, 13km v Collingwood, round 12
Christian Salem, 13km v GWS Giants, round 17

Oh and did I mention speed?

 

Top five fastest Melbourne players in 2021
Jayden Hunt 35.24km/h
Kysaiah Pickett 34.56
Alex Neal-Bullen 33.95
Ed Langdon 33.91
Christian Salem 33.80

 

You are absolutely correct....Salem is an elite player who was fantastic last year but due to injuries he has struggled this year. It's hard to be consistent when your out one week and in another and as such its affected his game.

I think most people agree it's a tough call between he and Bowie which says a lot.

Normally a complete no brainer.

I'm actually leaning towards Bowie at present and I feel strange saying it.

Edited September 1, 20223 yr by leave it to deever