2016 Player Review - # 30 Alex Neal-Bullen

[Demonland 71,812]

Neal-Bullen had a frustrating season. He would often amass high possession numbers at VFL level but struggled in his rare appearances with Melbourne. He needs to step up in 2017.

Games MFC 2016 4

Career Total 15

Goals MFC 2016 2

Career Total 8

Games CSFC 2016 17

Goals CSFC 2016 13

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 17 votes Runner up Casey Scorpions Best & Fairest

[Red and Blue realist 2,051]

Was played out of position when he managed a game in the seniors. He's an inside mid, but we tried him as a small forward, not a bad idea because we want players to be flexible but he'll only come into his own when he gets the chance to play where he is most natural. I'd like to think he'll be next in line if injury hit someone like Viney or Jones next year, but could be a long term asset, will just have to wait his turn. 

[Mt. Dee-Maaan 608]

44 minutes ago, Red and Blue realist said:

Was played out of position when he managed a game in the seniors. He's an inside mid, but we tried him as a small forward, not a bad idea because we want players to be flexible but he'll only come into his own when he gets the chance to play where he is most natural. I'd like to think he'll be next in line if injury hit someone like Viney or Jones next year, but could be a long term asset, will just have to wait his turn. 

was this the carlton game? i thought he ran through the midfield? he played rubbish that day in the wet.. i hold hope for him, but he's definitely a player that we shouldn't feel is off limits trade-wise.

[poita 3,898]

I look at Neal-Bullen and see just another run-of-the-mill footballer. He's not quick, his skills aren't great, he doesn't get enough of the football at AFL level, his workrate is miles behind a guy like Viney.

He is certainly better depth than the likes of Michie and Newton, but I would happily trade if it was the difference between bringing in a clear best 22 player or not.

The big question is will he get another contract if his 2017 is the same as his 2016?

[CatFishPig 444]

I watch him with interest. I agree that if his season repeats the same as this year, it will be a tough decision with how we go forward with him.. Really needs to lift a gear next season and show he is up to it at AFL level..

37 minutes ago, poita said:

I look at Neal-Bullen and see just another run-of-the-mill footballer. He's not quick, his skills aren't great, he doesn't get enough of the football at AFL level, his workrate is miles behind a guy like Viney.

He is certainly better depth than the likes of Michie and Newton, but I would happily trade if it was the difference between bringing in a clear best 22 player or not.

The big question is will he get another contract if his 2017 is the same as his 2016?

 

[pineapple dee 2,892]

On 13/10/2016 at 11:41 AM, Rocky said:

was this the carlton game? i thought he ran through the midfield? he played rubbish that day in the wet.. i hold hope for him, but he's definitely a player that we shouldn't feel is off limits trade-wise.

I cant understand this line of thought. This guy is a talent that could develop into a very important part of our best 22 long term. I know this is against conventional demonland thinking but I'll bet there are many in the club who would agree with me.

[Mt. Dee-Maaan 608]

ANB'could' develop yes. just as hulett 'could' develop.. ANB is a player with currency. that acknowledges that he is either talented or has potential. personally, i see him as having a bit of talent and lots of potential. he could definitely be replaced by a good choice in the second round (this year or next) though. why do you consider him so important too us long term? i suggest that you might be looking through red & blue tinted glasses. if we offered him up to any other club they'd see him as steak knives, not a potential star. i guess we shall soon see if the club values him as highly as you do. i wonder if he'll be with us in 2018? btw, i'd like to remind you that i'm not anti-ANB, it's just that i can only see his potential. he doesn't possess any particular elite trait. he'll be a good depth player and maybe slide into best 22 somewhere in next year or two, but he's no game-changer.

 

Edited October 14, 2016 by Rocky

[dee-tox 4,835]

Too young to give up on. There's something there but needs to be given a regular game.

[bjDee 1,249]

Had a stonking year as an inside mid in the VFL. Terrific inside quick skills by hand and body strength under pressure in a pack that belies his physique.  But didn't do enough, or more correctly IMO, didn't get enough opportunity at AFL this year.

I'm a real fan but I still don't see him making it to mid or upper echelon in our AFL midfield. Disposal by foot can be iffy, and his in and under skills just don't seem to be enough to rely on and he needs more strings to his bow. Would really love him to prove me wrong. 

[What 18,810]

ANB was fantastic vs the Saints in the best game of his young career and deserves credit. Lets hope he kicks on and remains a regular cog in the Demon machine. He has a lot to offer.  Loved the goal at the end that broke the Saints back , but the best feature of his game was his pressure. The 23 clean touches were handy too, as were the 4 scoring shots. 

[Dee-licious 1,949]

Thought the video on him today was really interesting. Made me go back through the JLT series stats and he went 9d, 14d, 15d (tackles increased as well) and then the 23d on the weekend. He was saying that he is starting to understand the high half forward role. I honestly believe he could be playing in the midfield for a lot of teams in the AFL, he is just unlucky that we now have a deep engine room. Hope he continues to play well and cement his spot. He can run all day and that is a great thing for us. 

[DEE fence 5,004]

Having watched how hard he trained in pre-season- i think i said he won't die wondering, he must be pretty wrapped cos he worked bloody hard. I also think the worm will turn for him and he finally start nailing some of those shots for goal more regularly.

[Demon Jack 6,887]

I think there's definitely a spot for him in the team. He was terrific on the weekend. 

Good player to have rotate through the midfield as well.

[Return to Glory 8,412]

Alex Neal - Bullen strikes me as a footballer with some smarts and he will find a way to get the best out of himself. Way too early to write him off.

[monoccular 17,417]

He did all that was (presumably) asked of him v Saints.

Well done. Great to have a bunch of underrated players. 

[mo64 5,853]

Played really well, but tended to throw the ball on the boot a few times when under pressure. Just needs to tidy up his disposal, and he could cement a spot in the team.

[chook fowler 19,447]

39 minutes ago, mo64 said:

Played really well, but tended to throw the ball on the boot a few times when under pressure. Just needs to tidy up his disposal, and he could cement a spot in the team.

That was mainly because he was in and under. I watched him closely on a replay and came away really admiring his contribution 

Edited March 29, 2017 by chook fowler

[Sir Why You Little 37,010]

Good game. Best yet. 

[Redleg 40,872]

Not a fan, but he did play his best game for us. Needs to play in the middle and not be relied on as a small forward, even though he can snag a goal.

Disposal needs to improve, but maybe a rise in his confidence will help that.

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

2 hours ago, mo64 said:

Played really well, but tended to throw the ball on the boot a few times when under pressure. Just needs to tidy up his disposal, and he could cement a spot in the team.

Completely agree but feel sorry for you given the replies you're now going to receive for stating such a thing.

[Cards13 9,117]

30 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Not a fan, but he did play his best game for us. Needs to play in the middle and not be relied on as a small forward, even though he can snag a goal.

Disposal needs to improve, but maybe a rise in his confidence will help that.

You'll come around, so will StMJ.

If not, good on him for working his guts out to change from a pure mid, which is all he has known, to a fwd with some stints in the middle.

[Dante 2,739]

There were plenty on here that wanted to trade him for a bag of chips last year, we really do underestimate our players, I guess it's the years of drafting NQR players. 

 

[mdemon 266]

Let's just hope that Goodwin instructs Nibbler to run with Kade Simpson, tackle him at every opportunity, and restrict him from picking up a lazy 30+ 'wrap-around' possessions.

If Carlscum are denied the effective services of their No.1 playmaker in their defensive 50, it is hard to see who sets up their plays on the rebound.

[Cards13 9,117]

Hhmmmm interesting.

http://m.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-03-29/goodwins-given-me-belief-nealbullen

[Deestroy All 14,262]

I've always thought him to be too vanilla. 

Was not impressed with him in the JLT. Too many basic mistakes. 

 

He looked a class above his JLT form against the Saints. Relentless pressure, looked quick and played with intensity. Could've kicked 4 with a touch more composure. 

20+, 6 tackles and 4 shots on goal, I'm a big Kent fan but I'm happy for ANB to make it hard for him to get back in.