Former Hampton Rovers player Christian Salem has been named to make his senior debut of the Melbourne Football Club when they face the Sydney Swans at the MCG Saturday night.
Salem, who was Melbourne’s first pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft (No.9 overall), starred for Casey against Frankston at Frankston Oval last weekend.
He had 32 disposals and continued his impressive early season form for the Scorpions.
The 18-year-old looms as a genuine long-term prospect in Melbourne’s engine room.
Manager of football Josh Mahoney said Salem had earned his position in the 22.
“He’s (Salem) played the whole season in the VFL in a number of roles; he’s played off half-back, a little bit up forward and in the last couple of games in the midfield, he told melbournefc.com.au.
“He’s done everything that the coaches have asked him to do in all those roles and now he’s ready to play his first game.”
Salem will be one of two ex-Rovers players lining up for the Demons on Saturday night with Chris Dawes also back and playing good footy. Additionally, Chris was elevated to the club’s leadership group during the week.
Click Here to watch an interview with Christian on Melbournefc.com.au ahead of his debut.
