Christian Salem
{{Short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Christian Salem
| image = Christian Salem 2018.6.jpg
| caption = Salem playing for Melbourne in April 2018
| fullname = Christian Salem
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|07|15|df=y}}
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| originalteam = Sandringham Dragons (TAC Cup)/Brighton Grammar
| draftpick = No. 9, 2013 national draft
| debutdate = Round 6, 2014
| debutteam = {{AFL Mel}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL Syd}}
| debutstadium = MCG
| height = 183 cm
| weight = 81 kg
| position = Defender
| currentclub = {{AFL Mel}}
| guernsey = 3
| years1 = 2014–
| club1 = {{AFL Mel}}
| games_goals1 = 181 (26)
| statsend = round 5, 2025
| careerhighlights =
}}
Christian Salem (born 15 July 1995) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A defender, {{convert|1.81|m|ftin}} tall and weighing {{convert|81|kg}}, Salem plays primarily as a half-back flanker, with the ability to push into the midfield and forward line. He was recognised as a talented footballer at a young age when he represented Victoria at under 12 level. He played top-level football early when he played in both the TAC Cup and AFL Under 18 Championships as a bottom-aged player. His achievements as a junior saw him selected with the ninth pick in the 2013 AFL draft by the Melbourne Football Club and he made his AFL debut during the 2014 season.
Early life
Salem was born to Alex and Mary Salem, and is of Lebanese descent with his father being born in Lebanon.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-03/footy-in-the-blood|title=Footy in the blood for young Salem|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=3 May 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} His talent was recognised from a young age when he received state selection in the under-12 Victorian side.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-draft-will-split-four-close-friends-and-families-20131117-2xp4j.html|title=AFL draft will split four close friends and families|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=18 November 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=11 November 2015}} He attended Brighton Grammar and played with the Robert Shaw coached first XVIIIs side from year nine, generally playing against year twelves.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/collingwood-circles-midfield-dynamo-christian-salem/story-fnau1fjg-1226756073229|title=Collingwood circles midfield dynamo Christian Salem|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=8 November 2013|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=11 November 2015}}
Salem played his junior career with the Hampton Rovers Football Club and played for the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup in both 2012 and 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.hamptonrovers.com.au/news/news.php?newsid=1888|title=Salem, Amon and Hunt picked up in AFL Draft|date=22 November 2013|work=HamptonRovers.com.au|publisher=CV Media|access-date=11 November 2015}} He was selected to play for Victoria Metro in the 2012 AFL Under 18 Championships as a bottom-aged player and played in the winning final, kicking two goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2012-07-04/vics-victorious|title=Vics victorious|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=4 July 2012|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} He received a scholarship through the AIS-AFL Academy as part of their level two squad in the 2012 intake,{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=3020-3020-0-0-0&sID=69677&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=21408378|title=AIS-AFL Academy Kicks Off|date=29 November 2011|work=TACcup.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=27 July 2015}} and travelled to Europe for two weeks in 2013. He received mid-year state honours for the second consecutive year and played for Victoria Metro in the 2013 AFL Under 18 Championships.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-25/27-days-to-the-draft-meet-christian-salem|title=27 days to the draft: Meet gun prospect Christian Salem|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=25 October 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}}
Salem was rated highly heading into the 2013 AFL draft and was predicted to be drafted inside the top ten due to his decision making and kicking precision, in addition, he drew comparisons to Luke Hodge, Nick Dal Santo and Dan Hannebery.{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/game-development/nab-afl-rising-star-program/u18s/afl-academy-player-profiles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617154905/http://www.afl.com.au/news/game-development/nab-afl-rising-star-program/u18s/afl-academy-player-profiles|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2013|title=AFL-AIS Academy Player Profiles|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}}
AFL career
Salem was recruited by the Melbourne Football Club with their first selection and ninth overall in the 2013 national draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-11-21/salem-eager-to-make-an-impact|title=Salem eager to make an impact|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=21 November 2013|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} During the pre-season, he suffered from a thyroid issue which saw him lose six kilograms in the month following the draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-24/health-issue-resurfaces-for-demon-defender|title=Health issue resurfaces for Demon defender|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=24 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} He played the start of the season in the Victorian Football League (VFL) for Melbourne's affiliate team, the Casey Scorpions,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-20/around-the-leagues-bellchambers-back|title=Around the state leagues: Salem pushes for debut, Brock in form|last=King|first=Travis|date=20 April 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} and after strong form in the VFL, including a thirty-two possession game in the VFL round three match against {{VFL Fra}} at Frankston Park,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-28/salems-lot|title=Salem's lot for new Demon on debut|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=28 April 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} he made his AFL debut a week later in the thirty-one point loss against {{AFL Syd}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round six.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/demons-unleash-christian-salem-20140424-zqz0f.html|title=Demons unleash Christian Salem|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=24 April 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=27 April 2014}} In his seventh match, Salem was pivotal in Melbourne's comeback victory against {{AFL Ess}} in round thirteen,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/late-christian-salem-goal-leads-demons-to-stirring-comeback-victory-over-essendon-20140615-zs8ol.html|title=Late Christian Salem goal leads Demons to stirring comeback victory over Essendon|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=15 June 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=11 November 2015}} after marking the ball thirty metres directly in front of goal, he kicked the winning goal with nineteen seconds left in the match, giving Melbourne a one-point lead.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-15/salem-the-hero-|title=Salem's cool head saves the day for Demons|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=15 June 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=15 June 2014}} He finished his debut season with twelve matches{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-11-05/salem-relishes-first-year-taste|title=Salem relishes first year taste|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=5 November 2014|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} and senior Herald Sun football writer, Jay Clark, wrote he had the potential to become one of Melbourne's best players.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-blueprint-demons-believe-theyre-setup-to-succeed-in-2015/news-story/debe2eac82381d0e6f59a35906ac9798?sv=df18d512c7d52c32d987a05ad638574|title=Melbourne Blueprint: Demons believe they're setup to succeed in 2015|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=16 November 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=11 November 2015}}
After playing his debut season in the forward line and a majority of matches as the substitute,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-02-09/salem-ready-to-make-his-mark|title=Salem ready to make his mark|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 February 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} Salem changed positions in 2015 and played predominantly on the half-back line.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-02-19/salem-relishes-halfback-opportunity|title=Salem relishes half-back opportunity|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=19 February 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/nathan-jones-hails-melbourne-young-gun-christian-salem/news-story/825573956d983eea55aa19f8795584c4?sv=97b02cecb9a861d05d2a5f988a900128|title=Nathan Jones hails Melbourne young gun Christian Salem|last=Edmund|first=Sam|date=15 March 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=11 November 2015}} Playing the first seven matches of the season, he injured his hamstring in the round seven loss to {{AFL Haw}} and was initially ruled out for a month,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-05-20/salems-lot-sees-demon-defender-out-for-a-month|title=Salem's lot: Demon defender out for a month|last=Phelan|first=Jason|date=20 May 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} however, after injuring his other hamstring,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-11/salem-to-miss-another-month|title=Salem to miss another month|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=11 June 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} he ultimately missed two months and returned from injury playing in the VFL in round sixteen,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-08-15/sick-salem-bailed-out-by-rohan|title=Sick Salem bailed out by Rohan|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=15 August 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} before returning to the senior side in round twenty-one in the twenty-three point loss against {{AFL Car}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-08-20/salem-and-stretch-return-for-round-21|title=Salem and Stretch return for round 21|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=20 August 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=11 November 2015}} He played the remainder of the season and finished with ten matches overall.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/C/Christian_Salem.html|title=Christian Salem|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=13 May 2014}}
After declaring his intentions to play in the midfield,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-10-01/midfield-the-aim-for-salem|title=Midfield the aim for Salem|last1=Burgan|first1=Matt|last2=Lewis|first2=Georgina|date=1 October 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2016-season-players-set-to-switch-roles-and-positions-at-your-club/news-story/d58ddac3c979b7d0869149c1181dde8d|title=AFL 2016 season: Players set to switch roles and positions at your club|last=Waterworth|first=Ben|date=2 February 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=2 November 2016}} Salem retained his spot on the half-back line whilst also playing on the wing and prior to the season, he was labelled as one of the players who could have a breakout season by AFL Media journalist, Ben Guthrie.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-02/breaking-out-the-players-set-to-explode|title=Breaking out: The players set to explode in 2016|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=2 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} Entrusted with the kick-ins for the season{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbournes-christian-salem-is-kicking-on--and-in-20160314-gnigo3.html|title=Melbourne's Christian Salem is kicking on - and in|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=14 March 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=2 November 2016}} due to his elite kicking skills,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-02/salems-lot-how-the-demons-rebuilt-their-defensive-pillar|title=Salem's lot: How the Demons rebuilt their running defender|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=2 April 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} Salem played the first six matches of the season before suffering from a concussion as a result of a head clash during the thirty-nine point loss against {{AFL StK}} at Etihad Stadium in round six.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-04/concussion-claims-dees-duo|title=Concussion claims Dees duo ahead of Gold Coast clash|last=Malcolm|first=Alex|date=4 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} He returned two weeks later for the thirty-two point loss against the {{AFL WB}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-05-13/melbourne-makes-just-one-change|title=Melbourne makes just one change|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=13 May 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} After being omitted the next week and playing for Casey in the VFL, a recurrence of his thyroid issue would see him miss two months of any form of football,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-05-27/no-timeframe-on-salems-return-roos|title=No timeframe on Salem's return: Roos|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=27 May 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} and he returned for Casey when he played against {{VFL Cob}} in round seventeen of the VFL season.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-07-29/casey-scorpions-teams-round-17|title=Casey Scorpions teams: round 17|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=29 July 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} After playing the next three weeks in the VFL, he returned to the senior side for the final match of the year in the 111-point loss against {{AFL Gee}} at Simonds Stadium, which saw him finish with eight matches for the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-08-25/team-selection-round-23|title=Salem returns for season closer|last=Lewis|first=Georgina|date=25 August 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=2 November 2016}} His time in the VFL saw him qualify for the finals, and he played in the winning preliminary final against {{VFL Wil}} in which he was stretchered off in the second quarter after losing consciousness from a tackle where his head hit the ground heavily.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-demon-christian-salem-knocked-out-in-vfl-preliminary-final-for-casey-20160918-grizg7.html|title=Melbourne Demon Christian Salem knocked out in VFL preliminary final for Casey|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=18 September 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=2 November 2016}} He subsequently missed the grand final, in which Casey lost to {{VFL Foo}} by thirty-one points at Etihad Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/christian-salem-could-miss-vfl-grand-final-after-being-knocked-out-at-north-port-oval/news-story/aac4a88befa6a9199695c21a54939da4|title=Christian Salem could miss VFL Grand Final after being knocked out at North Port Oval|last=Gardner|first=Gilbert|date=19 September 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=2 November 2016}}
File:Salem handballing away from Fasolo.1.jpg, during round 12, 2017.]]
During the 2017 preseason, senior coach, Simon Goodwin, earmarked a move into the midfield for Salem in the upcoming season,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-18/goodwin-has-high-hopes-for-new-recruit-salem|title=Goodwin has high hopes for 'new recruit' Salem|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=18 February 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} however, he suffered a mishap during preseason training, in which he received his third concussion in 2016 due to a brick in his backpack hitting his head during a preseason camp in December.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-01-25/demon-back-training-after-being-knocked-out-by-brick|title=Demon back training after being knocked out by brick|last=King|first=Travis|date=25 January 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} Despite the injury, he returned to full fitness in time for the start of the season and played in the opening round match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-03-23/four-new-players-named-for-round-one|title=Four new players named for round one|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=23 March 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} The next week in the twenty-two point win against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he recorded a career-high thirty-one disposals, in addition to seven marks, seven rebound 50s, three tackles and a goal, to be named the best player on the field by AFL Media journalist, Ben Collins.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-02/salem-optimistic-about-the-year-ahead|title=Career-best game leaves Salem full of optimism|last=Collins|first=Ben|date=2 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} In what was labelled his breakthrough game by Herald Sun reporter, Jay Clark,{{cite news|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-defeat-carlton-at-the-mcg-as-christian-salem-and-clayton-oliver-showcase-demons-future/news-story/3830f0d51214b8879b946f2b6f8679d0|title=Melbourne defeat Carlton at the MCG as Christian Salem and Clayton Oliver showcase Demons' future|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=2 April 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=9 November 2017}} he received the maximum three Brownlow Medal votes, meaning he was adjudged the best player on the ground by the field umpires.
Salem played the first nine matches of the season, until he was suspended for the round ten match against {{AFL GC}} at TIO Traeger Park due to striking {{AFL NM}}'s, Shaun Higgins, in the fourteen point loss the week before.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/i-dont-like-players-punching-says-afl-ceo-gillon-mclachlan-after-fiery-round-20170522-gwa7ws.html|title=MRP offers ban to Melbourne Demon Christian Salem for elbowing North's Shaun Higgins|last=Colangelo|first=Anthony|date=22 May 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=9 November 2017}} He received high praise from the media during the first half of the season, with The Age journalist, Chloe Saltau, writing Salem's "polish and calm" was a key reason behind Melbourne's improved form,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/christian-salem-at-the-heart-of-demons-rebuild--brick-by-brick-20170506-gvzm6m.html|title=Christian Salem at the heart of Demons' rebuild - brick by brick|last=Saltau|first=Chloe|date=6 May 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=9 November 2017}} Fox Sport Australia's, Anna Harington, noted he was enjoying a breakout season and his elite kicking was a "valuable asset" to Melbourne,{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/christian-salem-opens-up-on-his-involvement-in-the-josh-kelly-trade-and-his-2017-breakout-season/news-story/32165164f083e20491c2ee590b1e9fe9|title=Christian Salem opens up on his involvement in the Josh Kelly trade and his 2017 breakout season|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=20 June 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=9 November 2017}} and AFL Media reporter, Ben Guthrie, reiterated by stating his "elite ball use and composure under pressure [was] proving to be an important component of Melbourne's side."{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-23/dees-lock-in-classy-defender-salem-for-two-more-years|title=Dees lock in classy defender for two more years|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=23 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} Furthermore, he was named in AFL Media's team of the week for his performances in the round two match against Carlton and the round thirteen match against the Western Bulldogs.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-04/team-of-the-week-r2-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R2: Did we get it right?|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=4 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-20/team-of-the-week-r13-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R13: Did we get it right?|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Stephens|first2=Romy|date=20 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}}
Missing just the one match from rounds one to fourteen, Salem was forced to miss four weeks of football after sustaining a hamstring injury during the three-point win against {{AFL WC}} at Domain Stadium in round fourteen.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-26/blow-for-demons-with-defender-hamstrung|title=Blow for Demons with defender hamstrung|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|date=26 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} He returned for the twenty-three point win against {{AFL PA}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round eighteen,{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-teams-round-18-full-squads-for-every-game-ins-and-outs-injuries-supercoach-advice/news-story/ec38812e33fcaf7bdaebddfc7194e364|title=AFL Teams Round 18: Full squads for every game, ins and outs, injuries, SuperCoach advice|date=21 July 2017|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=9 November 2017}} and played three matches before he was omitted for the round twenty-one match against St Kilda at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-10/round-21-teams-revealed|title=Big Power outage, Demons dump defenders|last=McGowan|first=Marc|date=10 August 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} The same weekend when he was playing in the VFL, he was suspended for one week for striking Carlton forward, Liam Sumner, thus ruling him ineligible for selection for the round twenty-two match against {{AFL BL2}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-15/demon-christian-salem-offered-ban-for-striking-in-vfl|title=Demoted Dee accepts ban for striking in VFL|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=15 August 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=9 November 2017}} He returned for the final round match against {{AFL Col}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and finished with sixteen matches for the season.
Statistics
Updated to the end of 2024.{{cite web|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/C/Christian_Salem.html|title=Christian Salem|work=AFL Tables|access-date=10 November 2020}}
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start with votes}}
|-
| 2014 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 12 || 6 || 6 || 57 || 24 || 81 || 24 || 22 || 0.5 || 0.5 || 4.8 || 2.0 || 6.8 || 2.0 || 1.8 || 0
|-
| 2015 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 10 || 1 || 3 || 101 || 57 || 158 || 34 || 35 || 0.1 || 0.3 || 10.1 || 5.7 || 15.8 || 3.4 || 3.5 || 0
|-
| 2016 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 8 || 1 || 0 || 87 || 59 || 146 || 17 || 29 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 10.9 || 7.4 || 18.3 || 2.1 || 3.6 || 0
|-
| 2017 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 16 || 5 || 0 || 219 || 124 || 343 || 73 || 54 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 13.7 || 7.8 || 21.5 || 4.6 || 3.4 || 3
|-
| 2018 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 24 || 6 || 7 || 320 || 174 || 494 || 85 || 84 || 0.3 || 0.2 || 13.3 || 7.3 || 20.6 || 3.5 || 3.5 || 2
|-
| 2019 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 20 || 0 || 2 || 334 || 148 || 482 || 93 || 60 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 16.7 || 7.4 || 24.1 || 4.7 || 3.0 || 0
|-
| 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 16 || 2 || 0 || 200 || 101 || 301 || 64 || 41 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 12.5 || 6.3 || 18.8 || 4.0 || 2.6 || 0
|-
| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2021# || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 24 || 3 || 2 || 405 || 203 || 608 || 145 || 58 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 16.9 || 8.5 || 25.3 || 6.0 || 2.4 || 1
|-
| 2022{{efn|2022 statistics include one game in which Salem was substituted out of the game with an injury (round 1) and was replaced by Toby Bedford.}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 13 || 1 || 1 || 148 || 78 || 226 || 59 || 37 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 11.4 || 6.0 || 17.4 || 4.5 || 2.8 || 0
|-
| 2023 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 16 || 0 || 0 || 200 || 106 || 306 || 63 || 61 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 12.5 || 6.6 || 19.1 || 3.9 || 3.8 || 1
|-
| 2024 || {{AFL Mel}} || 3
| 17 || 1 || 2 || 226 || 114 || 340 || 99 || 47 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 13.3 || 6.7 || 20.0 || 5.8 || 2.8 ||
|- class=sortbottom
! colspan=3 | Career
! 176 !! 26 !! 23 !! 2297 !! 1188 !! 3485 !! 756 !! 529 !! 0.1 !! 0.1 !! 13.1 !! 6.8 !! 19.8 !! 4.3 !! 3.0 || 7
|}
Notes
{{notelist}}
Honours and achievements
Team
- AFL premiership player ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021
- McClelland Trophy ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021
Other work
Due to his Lebanese background, he was named one of the AFL's multicultural ambassadors during the 2017 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/christian-salem-hoping-for-better-luck-in-season-2017/news-story/6f54263844620f96c0a4b65eaf0d6e99|title=Christian Salem hoping for better luck in season 2017|last=Wood|first=Lauren|date=14 March 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=9 November 2017}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commonscat}}
- {{Melbplayer| link = christian-salem}}
- {{AFL Tables|ref=C/Christian_Salem.html}}
- {{Twitter|id=salem1507}}
- [http://demonwiki.org/tiki-index.php?page=Christian+Salem Christian Salem's profile] from Demonwiki
{{Melbourne player squad}}
{{2021 Melbourne premiership players}}
{{2013 AFL national draft}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Salem, Christian}}
Category:People educated at Brighton Grammar School
Category:Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Sandringham Dragons players
Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)
Category:Australian people of Lebanese descent
Category:Melbourne Football Club premiership players
Category:VFL/AFL premiership players