In a significant move during the AFL trade period, the Adelaide Crows have secured Melbourne premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen. The 28-year-old South Australian is set to return home to play for the club he supported as a child, bringing with him a wealth of experience and talent.
A Decade with the Demons
Neal-Bullen departs Melbourne after an impressive decade-long stint, during which he played 176 games predominantly as a half-forward. Drafted from Glenelg in 2014, he quickly became a staple in the Demons’ lineup, known for his durability, skill, and relentless pressure on the field.
Fresh off finishing third in Melbourne’s best-and-fairest awards this season, Neal-Bullen was instrumental in the Demons’ recent successes, including their 2021 premiership win. His leadership and on-field prowess were evident as he led Melbourne in tackles this season, showcasing his commitment to both offense and defence.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 10: Alex Neal-Bullen of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round 22 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 10, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
The Trade Details
The Crows have acquired Neal-Bullen in exchange for a second-round selection, currently Pick 28, in this year’s National Draft. The move is seen as a strategic acquisition for Adelaide, aiming to bolster their forward line and add seasoned leadership to a developing squad.
Welcome Home
Crows General Manager of List Management and Strategy, Justin Reid, expressed his excitement about bringing Neal-Bullen back to South Australia.
“Alex is a quality player and person who will add an enormous amount to our club,” Reid said. “He is durable, classy with the ball, and provides fantastic pressure, as evidenced by him leading Melbourne for tackles this season.”
Reid emphasized the value of Neal-Bullen’s premiership experience and the positive impact he will have on the team both on and off the field.
“Having experienced a premiership, he knows what success looks like and will bring valuable leadership for us,” Reid added. “We’re always excited to bring South Australians back home, and we welcome Alex and his family to the club.”
What Neal-Bullen Brings to the Crows
- Experience: With 176 AFL games under his belt, Neal-Bullen brings a veteran presence to the young Crows lineup.
- Leadership: His tenure at Melbourne and premiership experience provide invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
- Skill Set: Known for his class with the ball and pressure acts, he enhances the Crows’ offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Durability: His ability to stay fit and perform consistently makes him a reliable asset for the team.
Looking Ahead
The addition of Neal-Bullen marks a significant step forward for the Adelaide Crows as they continue to build a competitive and dynamic team. Fans can look forward to seeing a hometown talent donning the Crows jersey, contributing his skills and experience to propel the team to new heights.
Are you excited about Alex Neal-Bullen joining the Crows? Share your thoughts in the Alex Neal-Bullen trade thread.
