CHRISTIAN Salem says Melbourne it not just about here to make up the numbers – winning finals is what the team is hellbent on achieving in 2018. 

The classy defender/midfielder said the team was ready to make the most of its opportunities – playing in its first finals series since 2006.

“I’m pretty relaxed,” he told Melbourne Media. 

“It’s another game of footy – the intensity goes up a bit.

“We’ve just got to bring our A-game, because Geelong is a good team, but we’re all excited to get out there. We’ve got to make the most of it – we don’t just want to make finals, we want to win them.”

The 23-year-old, with 67 AFL games to his name, said he was feeling “pretty relaxed” in the lead-up to Friday night’s first elimination final against Geelong Cats at the MCG. And he felt settled about his game entering his first final.

“The last few years have been injury-ridden and pretty frustrating … but I’ve played every game [this season], except one with a broken thumb, so it’s good to put together some form,” he said.

“I’ve been able to bring out a few strengths – use my kicking a lot more and rebound off half-back, so it’s been a good role change, helping out the team, so it’s been good to play that role.

“Hopefully we’ll continue it on for the rest of the year.”

Salem said his family had been getting right behind Melbourne’s finals campaign. 

“The old man’s up-and-about,” he said.

“He’s got the cafes in Brighton and he’s trying to deck them out in red and blue.

“It’s been great having my family and my girlfriend – they’ve all been a great support to me. They’ve helped me through good and bad times, and it’s helped hold it together for some of my form on the field.”