Selected at pick 9 of the 2013 national draft, Salem has been distributing off half-back with a measured left boot since his 2014 debut. A premiership Demon in 2021 and a life member since 2024, he did not miss a match in 2025 and placed fifth in the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy count. The 184cm defender has played 208 AFL games and kicked 28 goals.