MELBOURNE’S three selections in last year’s NAB AFL Draft – Christian Salem, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Jayden Hunt – have all “been sound in how they’ve gone about it” in their first AFL-listed seasons, according to national recruiting manager Jason Taylor.

Kennedy-Harris (selection No.40) has played 11 matches and Salem 10 (pick No.9) this year, but Hunt (claimed at No.57) has missed the past seven rounds in the VFL due to a back injury. 

Still, the fact that 21 matches have come so far is a fine effort, given they entered 2014 without full pre-seasons and are just starting life in the AFL.

“Christian had a bit of a hiccup [with illness] early in the year, so he didn’t have the pre-season he would’ve liked, so he’s probably getting a little bit fatigued now,” Taylor told Dee TV.

“Jay has been terrific and he’s probably run himself into the ground a little bit, but to his credit, he’s gone back to the VFL and is stringing together some good performances there. Not that I’m on match committee, but I’m sure he’ll get another opportunity.

“Jayden, I thought he held up really well, just coming out of school footy – to take the load as he did. He’s had this little bit of a setback with his back, but he’s working through that now … with a strong focus on pre-season.”

Taylor, who landed the trio in his first NAB AFL Draft meeting as Melbourne’s head recruiter, said he had adjusted even better in his second season at the club.

“You think you’re settled last year, but then you get another year under your belt and you feel a little bit more settled,” he said.

“Again, I’ve enjoyed the working environment and I certainly, more than anything, enjoy the challenge ahead of us. The team I’ve got, more than anything, they’re really good to work with.

“We’ve got a really good working relationship and that augurs well for the end of the year to make good decisions.”