The ANB Appreciation Thread

[leave it to deever 15,681]

Just watched the replay for a second tine.?

I 'm sorry as much as I love Spargo's work, in the interests of fairness we need to give some love to the other like player in Nibbler.

Last year he was much maligned and  many wondered if he was in our best 22 ( Thanks Richie benaud) but after Tmac, he has been our most improved player. 

Used to be one of the worst offenders in missing set shots on goal but kicked a ripper from the boundary.

He doesnt get much recognition but his work rate in running and tackling is probably even better than Sparticus and the way he celebrates the success of others shows his passion. Also love the way he sticks up for others. Got a bit of agro in him in a good way. His tackles are rarely shaken too.

If he continues to keep getting better, it will be very, very interesting. He is probably one of our fittest players which is a big call.

Thanks Alex.N. B.

[deelusions from afar 1,613]

Prior to the game (following Casey's win) I thought, it's only a matter of time before Bedford or Chandler comes in for him but he's not getting dropped after performances like that!

[durango 1,984]

The only thing that he has to eliminate from his game is when he is about 50 meters from goal try to pass the ball to a longer kick.

The depth in his kicking means the maximum distance is about 40 meters, the players should be aware of his limitations.

[Call Me What You Will 693]

And when the “Jonesy” chant went up from M51 after the game, Nibbler heard it and was laughing out loud, alerting his team mates to it and clapping the crowd! True inclusive leadership in my view. Fine work Nibbler!

[Stinger 415]

Played a great game. Part of the chain to set up our first goal, and his ripper from the boundary line and celebration was what got us going in the second. Tackles big and works hard both ways. I think he's always had good footy IQ but either his execution has let him down in years gone by. Looks a different player this season. 

[Fork 'em 6,525]

Goodwin won't be dropping him anytime soon.
Always gives 100% and an absolute workhorse.
His goal from the boundry on the weekend was a pearler.
When ya playing the big boys ya gotta kick them.

[Deemania since 56 6,165]

30 minutes ago, Call Me What You Will said:

And when the “Jonesy” chant went up from M51 after the game, Nibbler heard it and was laughing out loud, alerting his team mates to it and clapping the crowd! True inclusive leadership in my view. Fine work Nibbler!

Seems to have a bit of class, driven by loyalties to the team and the Club; commendable resolve is pushing through in his game, as well. Teamwork and support can only benefit. Onyer, Nibbler.

[P-man 13,224]

Can happily say I’ve never been on the Nibbler hate train. The bloke is a toiler and the game now suits him better than it ever has. Long live the Nib.

[Tarax Club 2,999]

Nibbler’s been a favourite here since his debut year. That is not to say there hasn’t been some frustrations over the journey, from both sides of the boundary line.

2019 recall posting about ANB’s seemingly perennial ball handling yips ‘Couldn’t get a grip’.

2020’s  concussion suspension was on the severe end of the spectrum. Dangerfield and Hawkins being high profile AFL$ players would of course not be made the ‘fall guy’ by the judiciary. 

Anecdotally his goal kicking is mostly effective although it can be off radar on some occasions. 
  
His 2nd Qt, snap goal from tight  in the pocket, that started Melbourne’s ascendency last Anzac Eve was superb. Praised effusively by the TV commentary.

Goals like that are gold, the Tiggers cloak of invincibility was beginning to slip.

[Wells 11 4,785]

ok i 100% know i’m dreaming now. 6-0 had me wondering... but a nibbler appreciation thread on DL surely gives the game up. i’ll play along for now, but don’t think i’m not fully aware of which reality is which. 

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,246]

If it wasn't ANB's best ever game on Saturday night, it would be damn close to it.

That snap from the boundary was a thing of beauty.

[Little Goffy 12,633]

As well as being effective in his role, Alex Neal-Bullen is making football a bit more fun.

Sometimes it's the little things I like. Whenever anyone kicks a goal you can bet that one of the first people to get to them to celebrate will be Nibbler.

I'm also a permanent fan of:

- players regaining form after a slump.

- non-'star' players making a contribution above their price.

- team-focused hard workers being rewarded with moments of personal glory.

 

[640MD 2,809]

Never been a fan, thought he ran hard and got little reward for all his running. But this year like a number of players he is playing a better level of football. And getting much better results 

thatgoal from the boundary, right over the goal umpires hat. Lovely, it’s part of our 2021 difference. Deserves his spot. 
 

make it hard for the players at Casey

[Deemania since 56 6,165]

56 minutes ago, P-man said:

Can happily say I’ve never been on the Nibbler hate train. The bloke is a toiler and the game now suits him better than it ever has. Long live the Nib.

It is rather obvious that for Nibbler, the (new) improved game plan and team commitment to one another (despite the odds) are the key factors that better suit his improving game skills and role in what we do onfield. Examples abound around these themes in many players these days, not just ANB. It appears as though his role is better clarified on several dimensions and has been more clearly communicated to him, alongside several others in the team. 

[DeeZone 7,805]

ANB had a very solid 2018 kicking 27 goals but struggled with the modified game plan in 2019 -2020. There was a lot of talk about Nibbler getting moved on on this site, I felt sorry for him as he was still working his butt off but not getting the necessary results. I think that the improved coaching team and modified game plan suit Nibbler’s abilities and running power much better, he is also a selfless player always team first but knows how to kick a goal and celebrate team successes. Very impressive start to 2021.

Top effort Alex.!!!!

 

 

[P-man 13,224]

38 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

Sometimes it's the little things I like. Whenever anyone kicks a goal you can bet that one of the first people to get to them to celebrate will be Nibbler.

Spot on and as anyone who has played sport at any level will testify, this stuff matters.

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,296]

4 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

Last year he was much maligned

Not by me

Go back and watch the highlights packages over last few years

He's often involved in chains of possession where we move the ball forward freely,  including the goal or immediate assist possession 

Those who have said his "tank" / "engine" aren't that valuable need to understand that without the tank, there's no one in the position to play that role when the ball swings forward and we simply see a rebound from the opposition

His defensive effectiveness has improved, but qas regularly a strength 

I'm glad Spargo has lifted, I was a strong critic but his defensive effort has lifted significantly and his "tank" / "engine" has improved a-la ANB

Those who criticised ANB on kicking accuracy were missing a lot of PA and KMs and not fully acknowledging the all round contribution 

[leave it to deever 15,681]

2 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

His 2nd Qt, snap goal from tight  in the pocket, that started Melbourne’s ascendency last Anzac Eve was superb. Praised effusively by the TV commentary

On a wet night in a tight game, deservedly praised. Love the chest pounding.

Was a tough shot but Nibbler showed his maturity at a very important stage of the game and later on helped seal it with his never ending running to get to the competition and get that free in front of goal.

He played an excellent game.

As others have noted, the pressure that both he and Spargo have bought has been a big factor in our wins that often goes unrecognised. For respective sizes, they punch above their weight and their tackles are seldom broken.

Edited April 26, 2021 by leave it to deever

[The Lobster Effect 845]

This year's longer quarters match his endurance advantage over most players. 

[Supreme_Demon 3,011]

This was definitely one of his best games ANB has played.

That goal in the wet from the boundary line against Richmond was quite brilliant.

[spirit of norm smith 12,978]

I agree. ANB played a key role on Saturday night. His goal in the second quarter was team lifting. Big improver this year.  

[Smokey 4,137]

That goal from the boundary was absolutely magnificent  

[Cracker Nackers 115]

That goal from the boundary was one of the greatest goals I have seen in my life, comparable to Jako running around Chris Langdon at Waverley in 1992. 

[Deemania since 56 6,165]

3 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

Nibbler’s been a favourite here since his debut year. That is not to say there hasn’t been some frustrations over the journey, from both sides of the boundary line.

2019 recall posting about ANB’s seemingly perennial ball handling yips ‘Couldn’t get a grip’.

2020’s  concussion suspension was on the severe end of the spectrum. Dangerfield and Hawkins being high profile AFL$ players would of course not be made the ‘fall guy’ by the judiciary. 

Anecdotally his goal kicking is mostly effective although it can be off radar on some occasions. 
  
His 2nd Qt, snap goal from tight  in the pocket, that started Melbourne’s ascendency last Anzac Eve was superb. Praised effusively by the TV commentary.

Goals like that are gold, the Tiggers cloak of invincibility was beginning to slip.

A great couple of games so far this year. Really contributing.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

He’s certainly made me look like (even more of) a pickle.

He’s excellent been this year and firmly cemented in the best 22.

Edited April 26, 2021 by Clint Bizkit