The Demons’ decision to trade away the most highly-rated midfielder of last year’s draft has been widely criticised.
Melbourne traded selection number two, Josh Kelly, to Greater Western Sydney in exchange for selection number nine, Christian Salem, and talented yet injury-prone youngster Dom Tyson.
Kelly burst onto the scene a couple of weeks ago with an impressive performance after coming on late as a substitute against St Kilda. He backed up this performance with solid outings against Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Adelaide.
His skills and running capacity have prompted experts to predict he could become a “once in a generation” player for the Giants. While it is easy to criticise the Demons for another draft blunder, in this case it is simply too early to tell.
Dom Tyson, a talented player in his own right, has the potential to be elite but has struggled with injury in his first couple of seasons. Since moving to the Dees he has averaged a creditable 23 disposals in 5 matches with the club.
Salem, who coincidently went to school with Kelly at Brighton Grammar, is yet to debut, after a thyroid problem interrupted his first pre-season. Robert Shaw, who coached both Salem and Kelly, called for Melbourne supporters to relax, saying, “Salem is explosive and decisive off half-back and a brilliant kick who can go forward.”
He gathered 32 disposals in a best-on-ground performance for Casey Scorpions in the VFL on the weekend and cannot be far off AFL selection.
It is important to avoid jumping the gun when pointing out draft blunders. North Melbourne’s choice to take Ben Cunnington with pick five has previously been blasted, but his form so far this season has silenced the doubters. And who can forget the uproar over Adelaide’s decision to pass over local boy Brad Ebert for speculative Geelong youngster Patrick Dangerfield?
Melbourne’s decision to go for a two-for-one fix may or may not prove to be a mistake, but at this stage, opinions should be reserved.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Jesse Hogan is free to play Brisbane on Anzac Day, after the AFL Tribunal ruled the Giants star had no case to answer for…
Damien Hardwick has predicted Toby Greene's one-match suspension will be upheld by the AFL tribunal, but the triple-premiership coach says he wouldn't ban the…
Jonathan Brown has made a passionate plea to the AFL on On the Couch to give players leeway as they make split-second decisions, following…
Toby Greene has been offered a one-game suspension after making high contact with Carlton's Jordan Boyd, adding to his list of bans in recent…
Adam Kingsley leant on the "Toby tax" sentiment in defending Toby Greene, but the GWS captain has received a one-match suspension for a high…
"He said he went for the mark, eyes on the ball - he didn't."
