Jump to content

Farewell Alex Neal-Bullen

BAMF
BAMF
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

28 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Gotta disagree with you on this one. All things being equal, if this was four years ago, he would take his partner and baby girl back home regardless of how the club was going. You said yourself that “ANB would be a family first man.” And he is. 

Ultimate clubman to his #1 club, his family. 

  • Quote
    • Like 1
     
    • Author
    5 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

    Particularly insidious that they leaked it at this point in time when they likely have known about it for at least a couple of weeks. 

    Nibbler would have flagged it early with the club to allow us time to organise a suitable trade with the relevant club to allow for a quick trade. Trade week is a ****show if you leave it late and risks not getting it done.

    We would have been in talks with other clubs by now. Which means the leak could have come from anywhere.

  • Quote
    • Like 4
     
    1 minute ago, Norm Smith's Curse said:

    The window is shut and the rebuild begins. That is the direction some folk aren't happy with. 

    Are they not allowed to be unhappy if this is to be the case?

  • Quote

    Good opportunity for Laurie next year. He was right up there in the running over the off season so if he has a big preseason could be the first option as a replacement. Spargo probably also in the mix if he can get fit.

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    2 hours ago, Gawndy the Great said:

    BS. Think about requesting a trade this week. This week of all weeks. After JV, Trac have all been linked with moves. 
     

    If it was genuine for family reasons make it known once the season ends, heck wait until next week.
     

    To do it now not 1 day after the Trac statement is for all to see. 

    The article says he spoke to the club about this week's ago.

    So why is it in the media today? Who leaked it? And what is their agenda?

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    The scary thing is we continue to let talent leave the club and we’re not bettering or even matching that talent level.  All our role players and depth has left I.e Bedford, hunt, pig retiring, Jordan, Jetta retiring, Jones retiring, Guy retiring, LJ leaving.

    if the club continues to let Tim Lamb decimate the playing list by not replacing experienced players, we’ll continue to be bottom 4 and fighting with Tassie like we did with GC and GWS.

     

    this is [censored] depressing….

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    1 minute ago, BrisbaneDemon said:

    The scary thing is we continue to let talent leave the club and we’re not bettering or even matching that talent level.  All our role players and depth has left I.e Bedford, hunt, pig retiring, Jordan, Jetta retiring, Jones retiring, Guy retiring, LJ leaving.

    if the club continues to let Tim Lamb decimate the playing list by not replacing experienced players, we’ll continue to be bottom 4 and fighting with Tassie like we did with GC and GWS.

     

    this is [censored] depressing….

    As sad as we are at Nibbler leaving, this isn’t on Tim Lamb? You can blame him and Taylor for some other choices but not this one. He is signed up don’t forget, so theoretically we could just say no. Can’t see us doing that but we aren’t just going to give him away.

  • Quote
    • Like 2
     
    10 minutes ago, Binmans PA said:

    Losing the leadership of Gus and now ANB will be huge. A vacuum will need to be filled.

    I haven't felt this bad about leadership going out the door since Junior Mac.

  • Quote
    • Like 9

    8 minutes ago, BAMF said:

    Nibbler would have flagged it early with the club to allow us time to organise a suitable trade with the relevant club to allow for a quick trade. Trade week is a ****show if you leave it late and risks not getting it done.

    We would have been in talks with other clubs by now. Which means the leak could have come from anywhere.

    Makes you wonder if the reports of Houston being our target was potentially linked to ANB leaving? 

  • Quote
    51 minutes ago, DubDee said:

    These are the type of things that happen to teams not in premiership contention. No way Nibbler does this 4 years ago. I am not doubting the reason is genuine, just that he wouldn’t leave if we were a chance to win a flag next year 

    Brace yourselves Demon fans 

    That's what everyone associated with the club is fearing and the board also, back to the dark old days.

     

  • Quote
    4 minutes ago, DistrACTION Jackson said:

    As sad as we are at Nibbler leaving, this isn’t on Tim Lamb? You can blame him and Taylor for some other choices but not this one. He is signed up don’t forget, so theoretically we could just say no. Can’t see us doing that but we aren’t just going to give him away.

    Nibbler leaving is not on Lamb, finding a better replacement or even matching nibbler is on Lamb.  Personally since 2021, our list has continued to get worse, our trade in replacements haven’t worked and have made us a lesser team, 

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    4 minutes ago, BrisbaneDemon said:

    Nibbler leaving is not on Lamb, finding a better replacement or even matching nibbler is on Lamb.  Personally since 2021, our list has continued to get worse, our trade in replacements haven’t worked and have made us a lesser team, 

    Agree with that

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    57 minutes ago, DubDee said:

    does it [censored] you when a player does that and then they get delisted?

    ANB would be a family first man. i respect that. 

    Don’t care

    Good for you 😘

  • Quote

    Sir Alex Ferguson had a mantra that when he won the league he always strengthened for the following season to "keep on top of the competition."

    We didn't do this at all in our so called window after the 2021 premiership.

    2022 and 2023 we completely dropped the ball and failed to strengthen areas of weaknesses.

    Hawks did it in 13,14,15 Tigers after 2017 for 19,20.

    No mention of Clarry in all of theses shenanigans!

    Edited by YesitwasaWin4theAges

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    1377 individuals have played one or more games for our club. Assuming ANB plays the final two this year, he'll be equal 35th on games played along with John Beckwith and Salem (if he also plays the last two).

    He absolutely deserves our thanks and best wishes.

     

  • Quote
    • Like 5
    • Love 2

    I'm a big fan of ANB but won't begrudge him going. His goal in the 2021 GF was the one that let me relax knowing we would win.

    Great servant of the club but let's be realistic, he is a role player not a matchwinner. And that's not to denigrate him, he is a bloody good role player but not irreplaceable. ANB leaving won't be the difference between whether we can challenge again in 2025 or not. Gives an opportunity for someone to put in the hard yards over preseason and become that gut runner, defensive forward, linkup type player. Could be Chandler, Spargo, Sparrow, Laurie, Brown etc

    I also wouldn't be banking on a big return for a 29yo role player, we may get a 2nd but more likely a 3rd I would've thought, especially with the SA clubs holding the whip hand knowing he has requested a trade back home. They may not be that keen about him one way or the other, like yeah they would take him but they're not going to give up much for him if you know what I mean. I would assume we would try and accommodate him returning home so would likely take unders to get the deal done.

    Edited by Dr. Gonzo

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    7 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

    I also wouldn't be banking on a big return for a 29yo role player, we may get a 2nd but more likely a 3rd I would've thought, especially with the SA clubs holding the whip hand knowing he has requested a trade back home. They may not be that keen about him one way or the other, like yeah they would take him but they're not going to give up much for him if you know what I mean. I would assume we would try and accommodate him returning home so would likely take unders to get the deal done.

    Swans got 33 for Adams last year. Was a rubbish draft but Nibbler's healthier, better. If anyone wants him it has to be a 2nd. Otherwise, sorry Alex, you signed the contract.

  • Quote
    • Clap 1

    17 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

    I'm a big fan of ANB but won't begrudge him going. His goal in the 2021 GF was the one that let me relax knowing we would win.

    Great servant of the club but let's be realistic, he is a role player not a matchwinner. And that's not to denigrate him, he is a bloody good role player but not irreplaceable. ANB leaving won't be the difference between whether we can challenge again in 2025 or not. Gives an opportunity for someone to put in the hard yards over preseason and become that gut runner, defensive forward, linkup type player. Could be Chandler, Spargo, Sparrow, Laurie, Brown etc

    Yes he's a role player, but the level of intensity and incredible aerobic ability this guy has at good pace is elite. 11th in the comp for pressure acts this year. None of the above players you mention have the tank that ANB has (besides Laurie who doesn't have the agility/speed to play as a pressure forward). Its going to take a while for those guys to build the leadership qualities that Nibbler has.

    I don't think its going to be a simple task replacing one of the best pressure forwards in the comp along with his experience.

    Edited by Young Blood

  • Quote
    • Like 4

    Brayshaw and Nibbler born on the same day leaving the club in the same year. A little bit eerie. 

  • Quote
    • Shocked 2
     
    3 hours ago, praha said:

    He signed on for three more years in April 2023. He'd have known a baby was on the way. 

    I know a lot can happen in a year and half, hell I was excited to start my new job in June 2023 and now I'm looking for the door. But he'd had ten years on the place prior to signing.

    Sorry but somethink stinks. I'm sure his reason is genuine but seems like a "may as well at this point" scenario.

    Ever had a new mum struggling and needed to make a work decision to give her a support network she trusts. I have, may not be relevant to this decision but having some life experience helps me to look at all possibilities.

    Not saying there aren’t issues within the 4 walls but ffs try and keep open mind

  • Quote
    • Like 5
    • Thanks 1

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • PREVIEW: Essendon

      As the focus of the AFL moves exclusively to South Australia for Gather Round, the question is raised as to what are we going to get from the  Melbourne Football Club this weekend? Will it be a repeat of the slop fest of the last three weeks that have seen the team score a measly 174 points and concede 310 or will a return to the City of Churches and the scene where they performed at their best in 2024 act as a wakeup call and bring them out of their early season reverie?  Or will the sleepy Dees treat their fans to a reenactment of their lazy effort from the first Gather Round of two years ago when they allowed the Bombers to trample all over them on a soggy and wet Adelaide Oval? The two examples from above tell us how fickle form can be in football. Last year, a committed group of players turned up in Adelaide with a businesslike mindset. They had a plan, went in confidently and hard for the football and kicked winning scores against both home teams in a difficult environment for visitors. And they repeated that sort of effort later in the season when they played Essendon at the MCG.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: Essendon

      Facing the very real and daunting prospect of starting the season with five straight losses, the Demons head to South Australia for the annual Gather Round, where they’ll take on the Bombers in search of their first win of the year. Who comes in, and who comes out?

        • Clap
      • 471 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 05

      Gather Round is here, kicking off with a Thursday night blockbuster as Adelaide faces Geelong. The Crows will be out for redemption after a controversial loss last week. Saturday starts with the Magpies taking on the Swans. Collingwood will be eager to cement their spot in the top eight, while Sydney is hot on their heels. In the Barossa Valley, two rising sides go head-to-head in a fascinating battle to prove they're the real deal. Later, Carlton and West Coast face off at Adelaide Oval, both desperate to notch their first win of the season. The action then shifts to Norwood, where the undefeated Lions will aim to keep their streak alive against the Bulldogs. Sunday’s games begin in the Barossa with Richmond up against Fremantle. In Norwood, the Saints will be looking to take a scalp when they come up against the Giants. The round concludes with a fiery rematch of last year's semi-final, as the Hawks seek revenge for their narrow loss to Port Adelaide. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

        • Like
      • 120 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Geelong

      There was a time in the second quarter of the game at the Cattery on Friday afternoon when the Casey Demons threatened to take the game apart against the Cats. The Demons had been well on top early but were struggling to convert their ascendancy over the ground until Tom Fullarton’s burst of three goals in the space of eight minutes on the way to a five goal haul and his best game for the club since arriving from Brisbane at the end of 2023. He was leading, marking and otherwise giving his opponents a merry dance as Casey grabbed a three goal lead in the blink of an eye. Fullarton has now kicked ten goals in Casey’s three matches and, with Melbourne’s forward conversion woes, he is definitely in with a chance to get his first game with the club in next week’s Gather Round in Adelaide. Despite the tall forward’s efforts - he finished with 19 disposals and eight marks and had four hit outs as back up to Will Verrall in the second half - it wasn’t enough as Geelong reigned in the lead through persistent attacks and eventually clawed their way to the lead early in the last and held it till they achieved the end aim of victory.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Geelong

      I was disappointed to hear Goody say at his post match presser after the team’s 39 point defeat against Geelong that "we're getting high quality entry, just poor execution" because Melbourne’s problems extend far beyond that after its 0 - 4 start to the 2025 football season. There are clearly problems with poor execution, some of which were evident well before the current season and were in play when the Demons met the Cats in early May last year and beat them in a near top-of-the-table clash that saw both sides sitting comfortably in the top four after round eight. Since that game, the Demons’ performances have been positively Third World with only five wins in 19 games with a no longer majestic midfield and a dysfunctional forward line that has become too easy for opposing coaches to counter. This is an area of their game that is currently being played out as if they were all completely panic-stricken.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 04

      Round 4 kicks off with a blockbuster on Thursday night as traditional rivals Collingwood and Carlton clash at the MCG, with the Magpies looking to assert themselves as early-season contenders and the Blues seeking their first win of the season. Saturday opens with Gold Coast hosting Adelaide, a key test for the Suns as they aim to back up their big win last week, while the Crows will be looking to keep their perfect record intact. Reigning wooden spooners Richmond have the daunting task of facing reigning premiers Brisbane at the ‘G and the Lions will be eager to reaffirm their premiership credentials after a patchy start. Saturday night sees North Melbourne take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium, with the Swans looking to build on their first win of the season last week against a rebuilding Roos outfit. Sunday’s action begins with GWS hosting West Coast at ENGIE Stadium, a game that could get ugly very early for the visitors. Port Adelaide vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval looms as a interesting clash, with both clubs form being very hard to read. The round wraps up with Fremantle taking on the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in what could be a fierce contest between two sides with top-eight ambitions. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

      • 273 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All