Alex Neal-Bullen - 100 Games

[Jaded No More 57,674]

Incredible game. Not one I thought he had in him, but gees he was so clean. If he can use the footy like that most week he will become an A grader. 

[dazzledavey36 48,647]

Over the journey he's frustrated a lot of fans (me including). He's gone through diversity and was pretty much shown the door last year. Came back with an aggressive mindset and has had a fantastic year this year.

I always thought his 2018 year was overrated as fat too often we saw too many brain fades in games and fumbles.

This year I reckon he's had about 3 games where he's probably frustrated me with those brain fades. But it's a vast improvement and he's certainly worked extremely hard on his game in smoothing out his weaknesses. His connection into our forward line is probably the best in the team. If there is a guy I want the ball in hand when delivering inside forward 50 then it's Nibbler.

Highly respected figure and a big part of our leadership.  Well done nibbler, you should be extremely proud of your career so far. Still has many good years to come.

[layzie 28,520]

Maybe his best yet? Very proud of Nibs. An example of what constant hard work and endeavour can bring you. He was clean last night where few others were!

[Redleg 37,478]

15 minutes ago, layzie said:

Maybe his best yet? Very proud of Nibs. An example of what constant hard work and endeavour can bring you. He was clean last night where few others were!

This crow I am eating doesn’t taste too bad. Great game ANB.

[Jaded No More 57,674]

Also goes to show that players don't really hit their peak until around game 100. He has been in and out of the side with poor form and inconsistency, but is just now settling into a role. Sometimes it just takes that long. Not everyone is Oliver or Jackson. 

[deespicable me 1,427]

Congratulations ANB I'm sure I cursed you in more than half your games but it's great to see a player keep trying and eventually succeed. A premiership medallion would look great around your neck and not many would deserve it more.

I loved it when he kicked a goal in the third (I think) and he, Kossie and Spargo crashed into each other in a big hug fest. Really good synergy amongst the three smalls.

[YesitwasaWin4theAges 5,789]

BOG in your 100th well played young man👍🇭🇹👏

[Willmoy1947 3,762]

Wears it proudly on his chest, doesn't he. Never more so than last night...

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,274]

3 hours ago, Jaded said:

Also goes to show that players don't really hit their peak until around game 100. He has been in and out of the side with poor form and inconsistency, but is just now settling into a role. Sometimes it just takes that long. Not everyone is Oliver or Jackson. 

I agree a lot on this

He's same vintage as Petracca, but is a year or more behind due to lacking/missed opportunities and a bit of bad luck (4 wks sling tackle 🤬) breaking up some strings of good games

I've thought (hoped) for a step to the next level this year as I think he has the ability to leverage the big tank and improve disposal and decision-making

I think he's had a very good season, and was so good to see such a good performance last night. 

[58er 5,593]

2 minutes ago, Graeme Yeats' Mullet said:

I agree a lot on this

He's same vintage as Petracca, but is a year or more behind due to lacking/missed opportunities and a bit of bad luck (4 wks sling tackle 🤬) breaking up some strings of good games

I've thought (hoped) for a step to the next level this year as I think he has the ability to leverage the big tank and improve disposal and decision-making

I think he's had a very good season, and was so good to see such a good performance last night. 

Congrats to Nibbler on his 100 games.

Whlie he has been a player our TV screens are screamed at or match day records are torn up he has proved that his 20 games this  year have been by far his best in a block so far.

And last night his best game ever ( or most valuable contribution) came on the big stage and his goals were priceless.

Could easily be a best wild X factor in the Finals going under the radar if his form remains good.

Go ANB no boundaries just goals and run and support.

[Salems Lot 2,362]

Definitely one of the best milestone games I have seen

[Altona-demon 318]

A fantastic milestone game.  I love his energy, and he is clearly a leader in that forward half in terms of bringing the right attitude.  Very important role model for Spargo and for Kozzie Pickett.  Just imagine if Kozzie starts executing the fundamental basics that Nibbler is doing consistently - scary.

It's fair to say Nibbler doesn't have the same x-factor of Kozzie but Kozzie could learn a lot from his attitude and approach.  I love the way our Junior player are mentored by real men (Gawn - Jackson) (Jordon / Sparrow - Petracca / Oliver) (Rivers/Petty- Lever/May/Hibberd) the balance bodes very very well for our continued success. 

[JTR 2,627]

For anyone that hasn't seen it...

 

[spirit of norm smith 12,840]

14 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Over the journey he's frustrated a lot of fans (me including). He's gone through diversity and was pretty much shown the door last year. Came back with an aggressive mindset and has had a fantastic year this year.

I always thought his 2018 year was overrated as fat too often we saw too many brain fades in games and fumbles.

This year I reckon he's had about 3 games where he's probably frustrated me with those brain fades. But it's a vast improvement and he's certainly worked extremely hard on his game in smoothing out his weaknesses. His connection into our forward line is probably the best in the team. If there is a guy I want the ball in hand when delivering inside forward 50 then it's Nibbler.

Highly respected figure and a big part of our leadership.  Well done nibbler, you should be extremely proud of your career so far. Still has many good years to come.

Spot on DD36.  Nibbler has been highly frustrating over the years. We have seen his excellent endurance and love of a goal. He’s had an excellent year although his prior 3-4 games were average as he went back to old ways … poor decisions and running “into trouble “.  His game v Eagles was one of his best. Good possessions and make them count.  His delivery was sharp and direct.  

[Gawndy the Great 7,276]

Ok so i may have spent about an hour of my time this arvo pulling together my own AA 40 man squad in an effort to strike up some convo on the AA 40 man squad thread started by @dieter that was subsequently closed earlier today - lost all my work too 😶. In doing some of the background analysis on AFL stats pro, i felt a bit awkward when i found myself seriously considering our favorite son (ANB) as the 'defensive forward' option.

Interestingly, he features quite distinctly in the various small forward stats such as inside 50s, goal assists, pressure acts and inside 50 tackles. His DE, total disposals and other secondary stats were also pretty good compared to his peers.

Now I'm doubtful he will get named, but i think I've finely found some evidence that backs up this strange feeling of pride i have had for him this year and i have felt compelled to share this with you all. 

Well done ANB. 

P.S. Dont stink it up now :) 

 

Edited August 20, 2021 by CYB
grammar & spelling

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,106]

ANB is having the absolute epitome of a "career year"

The amount of times this year he's stepped up to kick an important goal when we needed one. The MCG boundary snap shots against Richmond and GWS come to mind.

Sure he's not perfect, he's a had a couple of poor games and won't be anywhere near the All Australian side. However, he's had a very good season overall and doesn't let 1 or 2 early errors define his performance.

I was hoping he'd stick around after 2 promising late season games against GWS and Essendon last year, and he's more than upheld his end of the bargain.

Hats off to ANB for a very good H&A season.

[Lou C. Fur 912]

ONYA ANB!

[rpfc 27,391]

14 hours ago, CYB said:

Ok so i may have spent about an hour of my time this arvo pulling together my own AA 40 man squad in an effort to strike up some convo on the AA 40 man squad thread started by @dieter that was subsequently closed earlier today - lost all my work too 😶. In doing some of the background analysis on AFL stats pro, i felt a bit awkward when i found myself seriously considering our favorite son (ANB) as the 'defensive forward' option.

Interestingly, he features quite distinctly in the various small forward stats such as inside 50s, goal assists, pressure acts and inside 50 tackles. His DE, total disposals and other secondary stats were also pretty good compared to his peers.

Now I'm doubtful he will get named, but i think I've finely found some evidence that backs up this strange feeling of pride i have had for him this year and i have felt compelled to share this with you all. 

Well done ANB. 

P.S. Dont stink it up now :) 

 

He is more important to the forward line than Fritsch. 

[leave it to deever 15,170]

Love this blokes effort.

Always one of our strongest tacklers.

May not be the most talented player but i get the feeling he always gives his all.

Great year for him.

Edited August 21, 2021 by leave it to deever