David King would like to see Melbourne push Christian Salem further up the ground.
Salem has played 106 games for the Dees since being taken at pick nine in the 2013 National Draft, mostly across half back.
King believes the skilful ball user could help solve Melbourne’s woes going forward, given they’re one of the least efficient sides in the competition kicking inside 50.
“It’s a great call to get more out of him. How do you maximise your best talents? Where do you place them?” King told SEN Breakfast.
“How do you get the ball in his hands as often as possible? I think you want your best kicks kicking the ball inside 50 and that’s been Melbourne’s problem, capitalising on inside 50 opportunities.
“I think he has to be challenged to go to a wing or even half forward.
“He may not get as many disposals, but as Justin Leppitsch said yesterday, there’s only 360 disposals per team per game.
“So if Salem gets 30 at half back and they go into the fat part of the ground or the wings, do you really get a lot out of those disposals or would you rather him have it 15 times and hit five targets inside 50.
“I have no doubt Simon Goodwin would be thinking ‘how do I get the most out of this guy’.
“He’s a senior player now. The days of him being a nice to have skilful half back … and I do think that’s a good spot to bring in some fresh talent at half back. To see the game and use your skills, you can be a light body and a bit smaller Caleb Daniel style.
“We’re going to learn a lot about Melbourne and Simon Goodwin. It’s a big year for the Dees.”
The Demons will have a new-look forward line in 2021, trading for North Melbourne key forward Ben Brown.