A defender, 1.81 metres (5 ft 11 in) tall and weighing 81 kilograms (179 lb), Salem plays primarily as a half-back flanker, with the ability to push into the midfield and forward line.

[1] He received mid-year state honours for the second consecutive year and played for Victoria Metro in the 2013 AFL Under 18 Championships.

[15] He finished his debut season with twelve matches[16] and senior Herald Sun football writer, Jay Clark, wrote he had the potential to become one of Melbourne's best players.

[39] Despite the injury, he returned to full fitness in time for the start of the season and played in the opening round match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

[40] The next week in the twenty-two point win against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he recorded a career-high thirty-one disposals, in addition to seven marks, seven rebound 50s, three tackles and a goal, to be named the best player on the field by AFL Media journalist, Ben Collins.

[41] In what was labelled his breakthrough game by Herald Sun reporter, Jay Clark,[42] he received the maximum three Brownlow Medal votes, meaning he was adjudged the best player on the ground by the field umpires.

[43] He received high praise from the media during the first half of the season, with The Age journalist, Chloe Saltau, writing Salem's "polish and calm" was a key reason behind Melbourne's improved form,[44] Fox Sport Australia's, Anna Harington, noted he was enjoying a breakout season and his elite kicking was a "valuable asset" to Melbourne,[45] and AFL Media reporter, Ben Guthrie, reiterated by stating his "elite ball use and composure under pressure [was] proving to be an important component of Melbourne's side.

[51] The same weekend when he was playing in the VFL, he was suspended for one week for striking Carlton forward, Liam Sumner, thus ruling him ineligible for selection for the round twenty-two match against Brisbane.