CHRISTIAN Salem says he hasn’t set a goal on when he wants to make his AFL debut for Melbourne, adding that he simply wants to hone his craft in the VFL, starting this weekend.
Salem, who was Melbourne’s first selection in last year’s NAB AFL Draft (No.9 overall), said he was determined to build a foundation before worrying about his first game for the red and blue.
“I’ve got to do all of that other stuff first and getting a game will take care of itself. The coaches know what they’re doing and from a personal point of view, it’s about getting my body right and getting into those good habits,” he told Dee TV.
The 18-year-old said he simply wanted “to learn as much as I can” before he takes the next step.
“I’ve got a good group around me with all of the knowledge that they have – especially with Roosy and the playing group,” he said.
“I think the main thing is to learn and just to get into some good habits and from there, if I can get that going, then hopefully a few games in the seniors will come.
“It’s about getting those good habits right and doing everything right on the training track.”
Salem said key midfielders Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince had been a strong influence on him so far.
“I’ve tried to suck up as much information as I can and they’ve been great and they’ve taken me in and helped out all of the younger guys,” he said.
“It’s very good being in there [in the midfield group].”
Salem said his first four months at the club hadn’t been all smooth sailing, given he dropped six kilos due to a thyroid problem.
“My first pre-season here has been pretty challenging,” he said.
“Early on, I had a few hiccups with my thyroid, which set me back, but ever since then I’ve been feeling good, so I just can’t wait to get out there and finally get a hit out.
“I missed up to Christmas and a bit through it. Ever since then, I was back on track and I’ve got a couple of intra club [matches] into me and the last few weeks at Casey in the practice matches. I can’t wait to get out there.”
Salem said he first noticed a problem following a training session early in his pre-season at the club.
“It was pretty interesting, because I wasn’t weighing myself before hand, because I wasn’t at the club. But I came in and weighed myself and I was about six kilos lighter and one session out at Casey, I couldn’t get through it and I had a bit of heatstroke,” he said.
“The same thing happened the next week when it was raining and I thought I’d get some blood tests, because it wasn’t heatstroke.
“The tests came back and they were triple what they were meant to be, so I couldn’t do anything and I was only allowed to walk three or four laps and that was it, so I was pretty restricted. What could you do? But I’m over that now, so I’m looking forward.”
Salem said he was excited about playing his first official senior football match, when he lines up for Casey against Essendon at Windy Hill on Sunday.
“I got a couple of hit outs with a few of the boys, so I got a few of the Melbourne boys down there, so it’s very exciting,” he said.
“It’s my first proper competitive match, so I can’t wait to get out there finally.”
