No, I'm not. I didn't think much of Salem, but someone on this board suggested him so I thought I'd take a look at the numbers.
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/C/Christian_Salem.html
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/B/Brandon_Ellis.html
Salem's performance in 2017 (on the averages) is pretty good. He's trending in the right direction. If he gets a good run at it next year, he'll probably match the output of Ellis.
It surprises me that so many people want to draft Naish with (say) pick 15, when we could apparently *easily* trade for a guy like Salem with the same pick. If our goal is to win a premiership, why bother developing an outside runner of our own when we can go and pluck one away from another club?
I don't care if it's Salem. I'm just using him as an example. Brodie Smith looks pretty damn good too. He was drafted at pick 14 and has 142 games under his belt. His numbers are effectively the same as Salem in 2017. Same number of disposals, same balance of inside/outside ball, same balance of kicks and handballs. He makes a couple more inside 50's, one less tackle and Salem is better at earning free kicks.
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/B/Brodie_Smith.html
My point is: someone needs to get ready to replace Houli. He's been a fine player, but he's coming to the end. If we are serious about winning a flag, we'll go and get a very good, experienced half-back who kicks the ball well. I don't think we have the luxury to draft a player and develop him for 3+ years.
Cheers.
Dave P.