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Alex Neal-Bullen - 100 Games

Demon Jack
Demon Jack
in Melbourne Demons

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Posted

Congratulations to ANB who will run out for game number 100 on Monday night!

A good story of perseverance after two years rotating between the senior team and the VFL and nearly being traded at the end of last season. He's come back with a great attitude and is quite possibly the personification of the 'selfless' approach embraced by the side this season. He doesn't always accumulate big numbers from a stats perspective, but he's playing a key pressure role in our forward half alongside Pickett and Spargo. 

Seems to have really developed some good leadership qualities over the last couple of years as well.

I still have flashbacks of when he burst onto the scene in his second or third game and snagged a few to help seal our famous win against Geelong back in 2015. What a day that was! 

 

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    Congrats ANB. While he’s not universally appreciated, 100 AFL games is a pretty good effort in anyone’s book. 
    Kick three to celebrate on Monday night!

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    Perseverance. Has found a role which suits his strenghts. Runs himself into the ground for the cause. Decision making is iffy but seems to have curtailed the brain fades. 

    Well done Nibbler

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    An important cog in the machine. Gives 100% every week. Not the cleanest or most skilled but gets the job done.

    fantastic effort to get to 100

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    Like many I was one that suggested he should be traded not too long ago. He’s manage to carve out a really solid career with Melbourne through hard work and perseverance. He’s passionate about the Dees and gives his all. Well done Nibbler!

    Edited by Pates

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    Well done ANB. It is a great achievement to play 100 AFL games. I am one who wanted you gone and is still not really a fan, but that doesn’t mean your good games and achievements can’t be recognised. Congrats and hopefully your 100th is a big Dees win with you playing well.

    Edited by Redleg

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    Culture is built by guys like ANB. Work ethic, character, effort and consistency have made him a leader in a group with more decorated and celebrated players around him.

    One thing I've always noticed about him is he always gets around his team mates and is happy for them when they have their moments. It's been particularly noticeable with TMac this year and my guess is maybe they bonded a bit more in the offseason given their similar positions with the club.

    Congrats to Nibs.

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    One of the least appreciated by supporters. One of the most appreciated by his peers. The ultimate team man. 100% give me the guy that cant hit a kick because he has ran himself ragged over the guy who has beautiful skills but doesn’t chase and gets the easy ball. Its players like Nibs that shift a club culture. Keep doing what you do Nibbler and here’s to a 100 more. 

    Edited by Lil_red_fire_engine

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    20 minutes ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

    One of the least appreciated by supporters. One of the most appreciated by his peers. The ultimate team man. 100% give me the guy that cant hit a kick because he has ran himself ragged over the guy who has beautiful skills but doesn’t chase and gets the easy ball. Its players like Nibs that shift a club culture. Keep doing what you do Nibbler and here’s to a 100 more. 

    To his credit his disposal has improved out of sight and now is one our most reliable kicks for goal. And a genuinely good person.

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    6 hours ago, Demon Jack said:

    I still have flashbacks of when he burst onto the scene in his second or third game and snagged a few to help seal our famous win against Geelong back in 2015. What a day that was! 

     

    Congratulations on game 100 Nibbler.  

    Was a great game that one, Max Gawn's break out game as well, when he stamped himself all over it, taking a ton of big grabs all over the shop.

    Let's hope Nibblers game 100 can be just as memorable for a gusty win in another highly adversarial enemy territory in West.

    Nibbler has well worn the scapegoat tag for all our failings in the past, for reasons I really can't understand.  Like many in the team, he has lifted his game to new levels this season, but to me, the signs of his elite running, smart ball use by foot and handy goal sneak ability have been there for a while.  His form this season and notching up 100 games is a triumph for the lesserlikes over the marque players of footy.

    Edited by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

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    Congratulations ANB, what a comeback what a selfless warrior you are, you really understand your role and help our stars star. Enjoy your 100th game Alex you have earned it the hard way. Love your team play energy and sportsmanship.

    Edited by DeeZone
    Spelling

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    Funny to think that when he was drafted, the most exciting thing about him was that he was the best mate of our gun F/S recruit, Billy Stretch. 

    I’m a fan of ANB. The interviews he’s done this year show him to be the kind of honest but caring teammate I’d want if I were a player. He gets maximum use out of the talent he has.

    Well done on the way 100.

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    When he and Billy Stretch came to the Dees, I was sure Billy would be the stayer. Goes to show what I know.

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    Always had a soft spot for [censored]-bullet. I think his biggest progression this year is in lowering his eyes - always looking for a target inside-50 and has been pretty solid in that regard. Congrats on 100 games. Can easily see him wracking up another 100. 

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    Well done nibbler.

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    ANB was a major factor in 2018. His ability to get the ball in tight situations, steady, look and deliver to open players was evident then. He, like the team, lost it in 19 and 20 but regained it this year. Valuable understated cog in the forward line.

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    Bump!

    Take a bow ANB!

    Was a big factor in our win tonight!

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    2 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

    Bump!

    Take a bow ANB!

    Was a big factor in our win tonight!

    I liked your post but feel that's not enough, Nibbler in word and action  has demonstrated what is possible, when you put the work in and you believe. I love the fact he has become a leader and can show through his actions what is possible . You hear the " experts " talk about "role players" and I agree with the  acknowledgement  of their worth, but the contribution to the ethos  and  determination of the team is worth so much more to the team.

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