Melbourne defender Christian Salem is feeling match and is grateful to merely be taking part in once more following a irritating recurrence of a debilitating thyroid concern.
The Demons premiership participant misplaced some 5 kilograms on the finish of the pre-season and was struggling to coach, with no finish to his troubles in sight.
Salem had thyroid points earlier than he was drafted and the issue flared once more in 2016, forcing him to overlook seven video games.
This 12 months, he did not play till spherical 10 in opposition to Port Adelaide because of the ailment together with his thyroid – which helps management physique temperature, coronary heart charge, blood stress and weight – whereas he additionally suffered a knee damage.
“It was tough,” the 27-year-old advised AAP.
“I got to a spot where I thought I was ready to go and then my knees sort of let me down a bit.
“I needed to have the surgical procedure to wash it up, which might be a part of the thyroid stuff in a method.
“But I couldn’t be more grateful and lucky to have the staff around me to be able to put out a plan for me.
“I simply had a superb four-to-six week block and I’m feeling match on the market, so I’ve simply bought to maintain constructing.”
After a less-than-convincing opening to the season, Melbourne delivered their best performance of 2023 with a stunning King’s Birthday win over Collingwood.
Salem believes taming the Magpie juggernaut was important but the Demons aren’t getting carried away with the result as they prepare to come off their bye against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.
“One of (Collingwood’s) strengths is their offence, and also you see them within the first 12 or 13 weeks, quick ball motion, overlap,” he mentioned.
“For us to nullify that – that they had their patches – however total it was a lovely efficiency.
“It’s another win to add, but we’ve rejuvenated and reset and then we’re down in Geelong, so all eyes on that.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
