MIDFIELDER Christian Salem credits an even contribution from all 22 players, for Melbourne’s victory over North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, ending a 17-game losing streak.

“All we ask for is the boys to play their role and I think the majority did that,” Salem told Melbourne Media.

“The boys that came in like Kenty (Dean Kent) and Frosty (Sam Frost) played very well … and I think it shows our depth.

Salem was impressed with the team defence, as they helped minimise the impact of Ben Brown.

“He’s a great player, and I think the boys down there did well to help Oscar [McDonald] out and limit Brown’s influence,” he said.

At the other end of the ground, it was the new-look small forward line that impressed Salem throughout the match.

“It was something different,” he said.

“It shows our versatility, playing with a lot of speed and working together.”

Heading into the game, Salem acknowledged the players confronted the club’s 17-game losing streak against the Kangaroos, but considered the clash as an opportunity for change.

“We wanted to make a change and I thought we stood up and did well,” he said.

After conceding the first four goals of the match, the Demons were under immense pressure, but Salem was pleased with the immediate response.

“I think it shows our maturity,” he said.

“We had a lot of calm heads out there. Teams get run ons and the big thing for us is making sure we limit that as much as we can.

“We got back to our game plan and trusted our fundamentals and at the end of the day we got back into it and ran away with it.”

Salem was instrumental in the Melbourne comeback, with 10 disposals and four clearances in the first quarter.

“I’m enjoying the midfield, I think that’s where I play my best footy and it was good to contribute,” he said.