I was very critical of him post 2018. But good on him for doing the work!

2 hours ago, Satan said:

Assuming he is not on Trac pay scale

I think we can confidently assume ANB is not on $950,000 a year.

Having a career best year and is nailing some great goals this year, albeit could've sealed the game with 5 mins left last week.

He used to be one of my 2 favorites in my DL sig. I got nervous and removed him when his 2019 was ordinary. Should have stuck fat and i would have looked ahead of the curve.

Never mind, im back on the wagon

GO NIBBLER !!!!!!

3 hours ago, Left Foot Snap said:

Good, it will make ANBs job easier then. 

Daniel is an accumulator of the footy and runs all game, I personally don’t think he’s as damaging as some of the other half backs in the competition. 
Nibbler has been outstanding this year with his pressure and tackling, I hope he has a blinder tonight. 

Very good news

He's been a solid contributor this year

36 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Daniel is an accumulator of the footy and runs all game, I personally don’t think he’s as damaging as some of the other half backs in the competition. 
Nibbler has been outstanding this year with his pressure and tackling, I hope he has a blinder tonight. 

I hope we have a great conversation about how right you are later tonight. 

The "Army" will be happy to have Sharon in her wig for a few more years.

Terrific news , well done Alex Neal Bullen, your hard work and team first efforts have been duly rewarded . Thanks MFC.!!!!!!!!

36 minutes ago, dees189227 said:

Gee 7:50 is  along time to wait when it's your team playing. 

Go Dees!!

 

Just watched the replay and nibbler’s one touch marking and delivery to the forwards was exceptional last night. He wheeled and went straight after a mark and made excellent decisions on the move with passes to tmac in the second quarter and on the left foot to weideman in the third. If he could maintain this level with the ball, coupled with his pressure, he becomes a weapon. A great one two punch with Spargo at the moment. 

Just goes to show if you work your butt off it pays off. Don’t have to be a star kicking 3 goals a game. Role players are required and he’s doing a great job.

Top bloke Nibbler and much improved. He’s a really good story. When he first started I thought his mate Billy Stretch would be the stayer - he certainly has turned things around.

I can't help pinch myself with the results of:

Tmac back from dead to best forward in KP and 2018 form agsin

Nibbler  gotten rid of bad skill errors and is a team player with high degree of intelligence most of the time Back from dead also

Charlie  super  game again  even on the backline looked like Caleb  Daniel and is becoming consistent 

Predicted Tmac and Charlie before season so it's a nice surprise fit ANB to be producing on ball as Dr D wanted him. 

 

Excellent interview with Nibbler.. I didn’t know he was told last year he could look around for other opportunities. He goes onto to say how he dealt with that and how, this year, he is in the leadership group. Along with his mum he loves our club. I love that he is in career best form 
If you are interested the guts of the interview starts around 31.50

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/950239/gus-and-gawny-alex-neal-bullen?videoId=950239&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1622541600001

On 5/29/2021 at 12:28 PM, chook fowler said:

Top bloke Nibbler and much improved. He’s a really good story. When he first started I thought his mate Billy Stretch would be the stayer - he certainly has turned things around.

Totally agree Chook regarding Billy over Nibbler. 

I love ANB and love what he brings on the field, particularly his excitement and how much he celebrates with his teammates. He brings a real energy, which the players kept saying was on of the differences between the teams against the bulldogs.

Two great interviews on the website, one with Gibbo and one on the podcast where he talks about being nominated in the leadership group and how that step into a leadership role has been one of the differences in his game this year.

So, question: was it ever released who is in our leadership group? I thought our only positions were C: Gawny & VC: Viney?

I haven't seen anything released publicly but I think you would say either Jake Lever or Steven May would be in there too.

Craig Jennings was speaking with Gerard Whately on SEN today on a regular segment where Jennings provides an extremely interesting insight into coaching strategies. I only heard part of the segment, but the topic of the importance of role players came up. Jennings said that ANB is the ultimate role player, so much so, that even if people might believe he's the 22nd best player in the team, he's still the first player picked each week. (Bit of hyperbole there, I would think. I somehow think Gawn, Oliver and Petracca and a few others might all get picked before him.)

He went on to explain that ANB's role is to free up Petracca so he (Petracca) can "do his thing" and leave it to ANB to block, stop and otherwise clear a path.

Edited June 3, 20214 yr by La Dee-vina Comedia

ANB and Tmac have virtually reinvented themselves ( as has Hunty) from the 2018 or prior versions.

Just shows that along with Coaches patience and understanding is required at all levels within AFL Clubland.

I believe the selflessness factor plus the maturity and feel good role playing being just as important as starring ( and maybe a few slightly bruised egos occurring early days ) has enabled all of our players to believe their importance is crucial also so don't let the team down!

Its taken years since this seemingly missing intangible factor was discovered during the 2020 and this season and as all have remarked it's the glue binding the rest of our plus factors of some very elite ability, frustration of lack of success a natural desire to improve and greater motivation in the coaching plus other factors like training at Casey our fitness and good old genuine Lady Luck with injuries so far our hero.

Team Demons2021 is a train ride still "work in progression" but it's travelling nicely and it's still got plenty  of room for more travellers until the journey is completed. 

ANB should get better with age. Improving skills is something that comes with more experience and time beating on your craft. It’s always been a weakness, but it is improving, as it can and should. With improving skills and more confidence in his skillset, he does not look as rushed, and is able to use that time to focus, whereas in the past he panicked a touch. I’ve noticed effective improvements across the board. He has always been a good runner, had great will and determination. I think he will improve further into a really decent b grade player, much like Harmes did.

1 hour ago, 58er said:

ANB and Tmac have virtually reinvented themselves

I've loved seeing how much they get around each other this year too. Never noticed it before as much so I wonder if they bonded a bit over both having things to prove.

On 5/29/2021 at 12:49 PM, 58er said:

I can't help pinch myself with the results of:

Tmac back from dead to best forward in KP and 2018 form agsin

Nibbler  gotten rid of bad skill errors and is a team player with high degree of intelligence most of the time Back from dead also

Charlie  super  game again  even on the backline looked like Caleb  Daniel and is becoming consistent 

Predicted Tmac and Charlie before season so it's a nice surprise fit ANB to be producing on ball as Dr D wanted him. 

 

A lot of folks had Fritta on the outer as well.

So much improvement from so many.

 Many outstanding performances last night and I know a few have mentioned his name but I don’t think he’s getting the recognition he deserves.

He was pivotal, 27 disposals at 78% efficiency, 6 marks 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s. He looks composed with footy in hand now.

Great game from Nibbler 

Anyone who still doesn't recognise what a crucial cog Nibbler is, either has no clue what they are watching, or are still going through games from 2015 - 2017.

His impact on our game (structure, forward pressure, two way running.. etc) is huge.

ANB had a breakout year in 2018 and he has increased his work rate and skill set to another level in 2021, so selfless but so important to the team. Now reaping the rewards and recognition. Well done Alex Neal- Bullen.!!!!