2016 Player Review - # 30 Alex Neal-Bullen

[Lucifers Hero 39,673]

Bump!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/top-afl-forwardhalf-pressure-numbers-revealed-in-the-drill-podcast/news-story/ccfa5915beec1bedf0b446e0a486b268 

While barely mentioned in the article, the tables show that ANB is second in the league for forward turnovers and scores from those turnovers.  That puts him in the 'elite' category for the year.   He plays the role in a true 'team first' manner as he feeds the scorers rather than score himself so misses out a bit on the accolades.  The coaches would love him for performing that role so well.  I think that is why he kept being selected over Kent.

I think he is a bit underrated on this site in part as this his first year as a team regular and in part because his role isn't very glamorous.

He hasn't re-signed which makes me wonder about whether he will stay with us.  In other threads some posters put him in the 'fringe player' or 'steak knives' category.  If he goes he will be worth a lot more.  Other recruiters would not miss his excellent forward work and team work and would value them quite highly.

The future aside, ANB has had an excellent year and thought others on here might like to see his achievements (with an aberration last Saturday).

He may not become an 'elite' of the game in the media but he is certainly putting in 'elite' performances for the job he is given.   He is making the most of his talents and opportunities.  If we had 22 players who did that, well the sky is the limit!

 

Edited August 3, 2017 by Lucifer's Hero

[JTR 2,846]

27 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Bump!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/top-afl-forwardhalf-pressure-numbers-revealed-in-the-drill-podcast/news-story/ccfa5915beec1bedf0b446e0a486b268 

While barely mentioned in the article, the tables show that ANB is second in the league for forward turnovers and scores from those turnovers.  That puts him in the 'elite' category for the year.   He plays the role in a true 'team first' manner as he feeds the scorers rather than score himself so misses out a bit on the accolades.  The coaches would love him for performing that role so well.  I think that is why he kept being selected over Kent.

I think he is a bit underrated on this site in part as this his first year as a team regular and in part because his role isn't very glamorous.

He hasn't re-signed which makes me wonder about whether he will stay with us.  In other threads some posters put him in the 'fringe player' or 'steak knives' category.  If he goes he will be worth a lot more.  Other recruiters would not miss his excellent forward work and team work and would value them quite highly.

The future aside, ANB has had an excellent year and thought others on here might like to see his achievements (with an aberration last Saturday).

He may not become an 'elite' of the game in the media but he is certainly putting in 'elite' performances for the job he is given.   He is making the most of his talents and opportunities.  If we had 22 players who did that, well the sky is the limit!

 

I like ANB and he was 'rated' by plenty on here prior to the game last week. 

"He has turned the corner", "become an important player", "always makes good decisions"......

Nek minnit...

[praha 11,239]

Yep people calling for him to be dumped after last week, which is rubbish. Make no mistake, with our lack of a KPF for most of the year, that we've been able to score so well (mostly) demands that we applaud the work that both Garlett and ANB do. Both doing exactly what we expect of small forwards: PRESSURE! That we have two ranked so highly shows we are extremely well placed. A healthy and performing Hogan, a roaming Watts, and hopefully a maturing Weeds makes for a very potent and dangerous forward line.

We just need our mids to score more. Tyson and Oliver need to hit the scoreboard more.

Edited August 3, 2017 by praha

[DeeZone 9,743]

I really rate ANB and would be looking to re-sign him ASAP, has a quick mind and is a great pass under pressure, definitely top 22 in my opinion and a must keep. - Go Alex!!!