MELBOURNE is in discussions for an extension for 2021 flag winner Alex Neal-Bullen.

Neal-Bullen qualifies as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this year, having re-signed for two years in 2021. He is one of four free agents at the Dees, alongside James Jordon, Jake Melksham and Luke Dunstan.

But talks are underway for a new deal to extend Neal-Bullen's stay at Melbourne, where he remains a key member and popular player in its squad having played every game this season

Edited April 28, 20232 yr by Grapeviney

Can't see this being an issue. I am sure it'll get done quickly and painlessly. 

Get it done swiftly. Leader, important to the culture and the example of working your backside off. 

Good news. Nibbler is a very underrated player who would be in the best 22 of pretty much any team. I reckon he's worth a 3 year deal where even if he plays the latter half in the VFL he will drive culture and standards with the young kids coming through.

Nibbler isnt going anywhere he loves club and despite what some people may say is an incredibly important player for us both on and off the field. 

did more with 11 touches vs the tiggas than others with double that amount

his running is incredible and he would be very difficult to replace

ANB is a culture driver, Premiership player and would love to see him play out his career at the Dee’s. The sooner the better I say.!!!

Heart n’ soul player who’s been showing all the signs of a standout year. 
 

Don’t insult the guy with the offer, and it should be an open - shut case. 

He's a bit like a Nev Jetta for me. An example of a bloke that isn't a huge talent but just keeps working his backside off and has improved his game year on year.

I'm sure I remember him being seriously touted as a future captain early in his career (and the hyphen didn't hurt!😉) But for the blossoming of Max, that may have eventuated. Appears to have many/most of the qualities.

ANB, a player I didn’t see in our best 22, has made me eat my words.

2 minutes ago, Redleg said:

ANB, a player I didn’t see in our best 22, has made me eat my words.

My favourite version of this was the ol ' 'We'll never when a premiership with..."

He has reached the stage in his development where, when he gets the ball, he does good or at least sound things with it, even under pressure. Knows where to be and where to send the pill. He's part of the glue that holds the team together. Something that I thought was impossible not so very long ago. Good on you Nibbler. GO DEMONS!!!

We need to follow his career trend & sign him for 2025, 2027, 2029 so to skip the years he'll be out of form

Clearly a great clubman but as a player doesn’t inspire me & I would happily sacrifice him to keep better players.

Rarely plays well when the team is struggling but always dominates after we get on top & are cruising.

Didnt MFC try to trade him along with tmac in 2020 but no real interest from other clubs.

Things change when youre a preimership player. If we play in the GF ANB will be there.

I hope he stays with us for all the reasons already mentioned. Also because the cheer squad wouldn’t be the same without Shazza, his mum. She’s a legend. Nonstop energy. It’s funny, she screams out “Nibba” or “Nibs” but when he messes up she changes to “Alex” as in, “Oh Alex, what was THAT?!"

Adelaide would be crazy not to pursue him hard.

He'd fit in really well at every club purely from a culture and team first perspective.

Would slot into any leadership role that is thin in this area and its a part where I still think the Crows lack.

So glad to hear him being close to signing a new deal. My guess will be a 4 year deal that'll take him to the age of 31 years of age and life member of the footy club.

11 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Adelaide would be crazy not to pursue him hard.

He'd fit in really well at every club purely from a culture and team first perspective.

Would slot into any leadership role that is thin in this area and its a part where I still think the Crows lack.

So glad to hear him being close to signing a new deal. My guess will be a 4 year deal that'll take him to the age of 31 years of age and life member of the footy club.

I wonder if his wife is Victorian. Might mean SA is off the table for him anyway.

Regardless, he is a vital part of our team and he won't be going anywhere I am sure.

 

22 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

… Also because the cheer squad wouldn’t be the same without Shazza, his mum. … she screams out “Nibba” or “Nibs” but when he messes up she changes to “Alex” as in, “Oh Alex, what was THAT?!"

That’s brilliant! Such a mum thing to do

4 years ago I never wanted the ball in his hands. I thought him a shanker and a momentum killer and would have been glad to trade or delist.

Glad I don't make list decisions because he trained hard, developed well and is an integral piece of the Dees Goodwin-footy. He runs both ways, has a team first attitude, has improved his skills each year and is now more than reliable. Not perfect, and not an A grader but an experienced, steady, composed, team man whose defensive work is epic, and he knows how to kick a goal when the chance comes his way.

Also, it was when he kicked his goal in the last quarter of the 2021 GF, that I turned to my daughter and said "I think we've got it". 

Has re-signed for 3 more.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1317507/neal-bullen-signs-three-year-deal

Never in doubt. Loves club, the club loves him. Good on ya Nibbler! 

Good on you Nibbler.  Genuine ‘heart & soul’ footballer, and they are the most important kind!