BY – JACKSON CLARK
TWITTER – @JClark182
Recently there has been criticism surrounding the Demons’ decision to trade away the most highly rated midfielder in last year’s draft.
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 the substitute against St Kilda.
He has backed up his performances with solid outings against Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Adelaide.
His elite skills and running capacity have prompted experts to predict that he could become a “once in a generation” player for the Giants.
While it is easy to prematurely 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 across to the Dees he has averaged a creditable 23 disposals in his five 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 and assured that they will be more than happy with his output once out on the park.
“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 that critics avoid jumping the gun when it comes to 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 Adelaide received when it passed over local boy Brad Ebert for speculative Geelong youngster Patrick Dangerfield?
The point is, 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 for later.
About Jackson Clark
Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.
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In my time spent as a part time recruiter with the Brisbane Lions I watched Dom Tyson week in and week out and he was one of the best midfielders for his age in the country. He is also a young man of character who football clubs certainly need to influence and maintain a positive club culture. If he can stay injury free he will become over the years a premier midfielder of the competition. That is the $64,000 question if he can stay injury free and only time will tell. Let us give him that opportunity to prove himself when fully fit and mature as Jackson has so eloquently written. Great to read such a balanced well written piece Jackson. Well done.