Melbourne isn’t giving up on season 2019, Chrisitan Salem says

Steven May has already had a big impact on Melbourne’s defence, Christian Salem says, and the Demons players are determined to use his enthusiasm and leadership to not to give up on season 2019 just yet.

Christian Salem says the next 10 weeks are the most important of the season. Picture: Getty

The easiest thing for Melbourne’s players would be to roll over and use the last 10 weeks of the season planning footy trips and Mad Monday.

Yet as Christian Salem roamed across the MCG on Queen’s Birthday, he could hear a new voice barking instructions and marshalling the troops.

Steven May was on the last line of defence finally showing the Melbourne faithful what he brings to the table after months of frustration.

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He isn’t going quietly into the night and as Salem says, neither are the Demons.

They take on Fremantle at the MCG adamant their season is still alive, even if it is bloodied and bruised.

And even if they do fail to replicate last year’s finals surge, May and those Demons are determined not to waste the back half of the year.

They have spent the past fortnight realigning their game plan and coaching structure.

It will be on show against Fremantle, with Salem determined to make something special of these last 10 rounds in the same manner as May.

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Steven May has wasted no time helping his younger defensive teammates. Picture: Getty

“He is machine. He is a very valuable asset for us,” says Salem of May.

“He was the captain at the Suns, he has so much leadership to give to the defenders and given we have a pretty young defence he can be massive for us.

“He is on the last line so his instruction is really important. He is really loud, setting us up and organising and it’s really great to play with him.

“We look forward to playing alongside him as Melbourne players for a very long period.

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“His season didn’t start the way he would have liked but he has worked unbelievably hard and he has done a lot of extra sessions, done a lot of running and he has come back in good form.

“These 10 weeks are massive. They are the most important 10 weeks of our year, whether we play finals or not. We are not putting a cap on anything but this can definitely lead us into next year.

“We haven’t given up hope on this season, we know we can still match it with anyone so we are looking forward to bringing that.”

Salem, fresh from signing a new two-year contract this year, has played more defence in recent weeks and has been one of the few shining lights with his razor-sharp disposal.

Christian Salem says the next 10 weeks are the most important of the season. Picture: Getty

You won’t find him pumping up his own tyres - when the team is struggling, that’s all that really matters according to Salem.

But he says the Demons are invigorated by the two-week stretch since Queen’s Birthday, determined to get to the root of their issues.

“We have had a really strong review in the last couple of weeks to freshen up and realign a few things. There is still so much to play for.

“We have had a couple of really good sessions and obviously we restructured a bit of the coaching team. In the last week and a half it’s been about refining all areas of our game and simplifying it so we are ready to go.”

Jesse Hogan finally takes on his old mob - and will be manned by May - but the anger that is sometimes part of these trades isn’t apparent in this player swap.

“I was only a couple of lockers down from him,” says Salem

“He is a really good fella, so it’s actually good to see him in good form. I am sure he is excited and we are too, to come up against him.”

Jesse Hogan will face his old teammates on Saturday. Picture: Getty

Salem’s own concussion history is well-documented, and forced him out for a week after a heavy collision with the Optus Stadium turf in Round 9.

But he knows he is in good hands with Melbourne’s doctors, who have also helped smooth Angus Brayshaw’s path back to footy after a series of head knocks.

“There wasn’t too long to go and I was in front of the interchange bench and went up for a mark and landed on the turf face-first so that wasn’t ideal. I missed a week because of that and got a bug on the morning of the game in Darwin which wasn’t ideal so I am actually pretty fresh.

“I could have played but it was just precautionary because of my history. My tests were good but there was just a bit of pressure in my head, I didn’t have too many headaches.

“I settled down pretty quickly. I have worked really closely with the docs at the club and it’s just about respecting it and being honest. Because you can easily say you don’t have any symptoms and play and then you are letting the team down. So it’s just about being honest and putting the team first and being honest with how you feel.”