SECOND-year Demon Christian Salem says he relished the opportunity to play across half-back in Melbourne’s intra-club match at Casey Fields on Thursday.
Salem, who was one of the club’s most impressive performers on the day, said he gained plenty from playing in a new position.
“It was a bit of a new role for me down half-back,” he told Dee TV.
“I’ve just tried to learn as much as I can over the pre-season and I tried to bring that into today’s game.
“A lot of the boys are really relishing the game plan and the roles, and they really took them on board.
“Over the pre-season, finding a new role was better for me and I think half-back [is good for me], but as long as the team benefits.”
Salem praised the backline players and gave special mention to new Demon Jeff Garlett, who was a livewire up forward.
“Collectively as a backline, with Dunny (Lynden Dunn) and Garlo (Colin Garland) and Tommy Mac (Tom McDonald), they were really consistent,” he said.
“Jeffy Garlett was really good out of the new boys, popping up to kick three or four goals.
“He was really lively down forward, so he was very good.”
Salem said it was an important and positive hit out before Melbourne’s NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on March 5. The players will now have a three-day break, before preparing for the clash over in the west.
“The boys are really itching to get out there … so I’m sure most of the boys are raring to go,” Salem said.
“Last year we had some good wins on the road … it’ll be a good challenge against one of the best teams in the league.
“To go over there first up will really challenge us, but I think we’re up to it.”
Meanwhile, Salem said the players had rallied around No.2 draft pick Christian Petracca, who suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the week.
“It was very disappointing. A lot of players found out that afternoon [he suffered the injury] and it was a sad vibe, but he’s a great character and he’ll bounce back,” he said.
“He was down with us today [on the boundary] giving feedback.
“He’ll get stuck into his rehab and he’ll be back stronger next year.”
