Farewell Alex Neal-Bullen

[Colm 1,998]

People suggesting we might only get a third rounder remember we gave a good second rounder for McAdam last year, who had a terrible injury history and has barely played this season. 
If our recruitment team thinks Nibbler- a premiership player, leader, great role player and ultimate professional is worth less then its time they are shown the door as they are clearly not up to the job .

 

[Adam The God 29,798]

7 hours ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Agreed but does he have the flat two way endurance running speed that made Nibbler so effective in this role?

Nibbler has been better at it but many more pre seasons on Charlie. Charlie was playing wing and high half forward all through 2022, so has good endurance.

[Demon4ever 173]

12 hours ago, KLV said:

Astonished at this. Only 2 years left and the excuse is family reasons? I take that back if family reasons mean someone is gravely ill, but for a new baby? Give me a break, it’s Adelaide for God’s sake 

Everyone is jumping the sinking ship! :-(

[binman 42,263]

25 minutes ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

There's only ever two realistic bidders for the FTA AFL and NRL rights. Those organisations do alright. And if ANB as valuable as many seem to think (e.g. significantly increases Port's chances of a flag or Crom's changes of a top eight finish), a deal gets done. 

No doubt a deal will get done.

But I very much doubt we'll play hard ball - I'd be very disappointed if we did.

I'm one of nibbler's biggest fans, gutted that he's leaving and think will improve any club he goes to.

But i don't think he significantly increases Port's chances of a flag  Crom's changes of a top eight finish.

In part that's because port, and to a lesser extent crows, have players with nibbla most important skill set - his elite athleticism.

Because nibbla took time to become a best 22, and was somewhat maligned when he did, it's easy to forget that his point of difference as a draftee, his one wood, was he was already an elite athlete, with good leg speed (key) and elite endurance (critical).

Those attributes remain his most important as since he was drafted the game has become increasingly aerobic and teams now need mutiple players who are elite athletes.

Nibbla has become the prototype high half forward, a role that didn't really exist when he was drafted (not in the sense of the crazy box to box defensive running the hhf now does).

The HHF has become a key role. Its not just a matter of slotting another role player into position, they have to be an elite athlete, with a massive tank and abilityt8 cover distance at speed - and they don't grow on trees as like nibbla they have to come into the AFL elite and build from there.

It's for that reason that we'll lose more than either port or crows will gain by drafting nibbla.

We simply don't have enough such players and will have to either draft or trade one in - even if there is a player in the team now who can slot into nibblas role (which I'm not convinced there is).

Nibbla leaving compounds losing Bedford as he would be the perfect replacement.

Edited August 13 by binman

[Jaded No More 68,779]

26 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

Well if Koz requests a trade I will need to reappraise my 2025-26 predictions which always took a big hit in this news.

Most of Koz’s family live quite far away from Perth and Adelaide, which is where he will need to be to play football. 
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to it tho!

[Sydee 4,326]

3 minutes ago, binman said:

No doubt a deal will get done.

I'm one of nibbler's biggest fans, gutted that he's leaving and think will improve any club he goes to.

But i don't think he significantly increases Port's chances of a flag  Crom's changes of a top eight finish.

In part that's because port, and to a lesser extent crows, have players with nibbla most important skill set - his elite athleticism.

Because nibbla took time to become a best 22, and was somewhat maligned when he did, it's easy to forget that his point of difference as a draftee, his one wood, was he was already an elite athlete, with good leg speed and elite endurance.

Those attributes remain his most important as since he was drafted the game has become increasingly aerobic and teams now need mutiple players who are elite athletes.

Nibbla has become the prototype high half forward, a role that didn't really exist when he was drafted (not in the sense of the crazy box to box defensive running tge hhf now does).

The HHF has become a key role. Its not just a matter of slotting another role player into position, they have to be an elite athlete - and they don't grow on trees as like nibbla they have to come into the AFL elite and build from there.

It's for that reason that we'll lose more than either port or crows will gain by drafting nibbla.

We simply don't have enough such players and will have to either draft or trade one in - even if there is a player in the team now who can slot into nibblas role (which I'm not convinced there is).

Nibbla leaving compounds losing Bedford as he would be the perfect replacement.

Laurie apparently was doing great things in this pre season in terms of endurance running

I don’t think he has the same acceleration or closing speed of Nibbler but arguably he has better disposal skills 

Maybe this is the opening for him - it’s being forced in a way but might be the making of the young man - we can hope 

[layzie 33,585]

You lose stars, you gotta make new stars.

[The Taciturn Demon 398]

1 hour ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

It will be interesting then to see how the market determines his value. 

The market being Justin Reid?

[Adam The God 29,798]

When you lose certain players, it can force you into changing game style and method, which Nibbler's departure may do.

[Demonland 70,903]

 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

30 minutes ago, Binmans PA said:

Nibbler has been better at it but many more pre seasons on Charlie. Charlie was playing wing and high half forward all through 2022, so has good endurance.

Endurance yes but im just thinking about Nibbler's running speed over distance.  As in his ability to quickly get from contest to contest.

Charlie seems to lope along a bit but is that just his running gate to the eye?

Regardless, finding a replacement equivalent or better than Nibbler wont be easy.  He also grew into this role and mastered it over many seasons.

Edited August 13 by Demon Dynasty

[Roger Mellie 3,911]

46 minutes ago, Kent said:

at the moment we have draft picks Round 1  then 4 then 5

Hard to rebuild with that set

That's wrong - we have a 1st, a 2nd, two 3rds and a 4th

[spirit of norm smith 15,754]

Family first.  We understand. It’s sad to see him go.  He’s been a permanent member of the team for so long. 175 games. 10 years. Premiership🏆.  Nibbler was excellent on and off field.  Spoke to him at several functions and he’s genuinely a really nice guy.  Must have taken a lot of courage to make this call. We wish him and the family all the very best. Thanks Nibbler 🏆💙❤️

[GCDee 3,197]

Is this the first ever trade formal trade request which has happened in season? It’s refreshing, and honestly this feels like it’s being handled professionally by all parties. 
 

Wish this could have been the case with Jackson 

[drysdale demon 4,752]

I just read something from ANB's player sponsor at the club ever since ANB has been at the  mfc and he states this decision has nothing to do with so called bad culture at the club and it is all about moving back to be near family.

[DistrACTION Jackson 8,284]

8 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

That's wrong - we have a 1st, a 2nd, two 3rds and a 4th

Please don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story 🤪

[layzie 33,585]

28 minutes ago, binman said:

No doubt a deal will get done.

But I very much doubt we'll play hard ball - I'd be very disappointed if we did.

I'm one of nibbler's biggest fans, gutted that he's leaving and think will improve any club he goes to.

But i don't think he significantly increases Port's chances of a flag  Crom's changes of a top eight finish.

In part that's because port, and to a lesser extent crows, have players with nibbla most important skill set - his elite athleticism.

Because nibbla took time to become a best 22, and was somewhat maligned when he did, it's easy to forget that his point of difference as a draftee, his one wood, was he was already an elite athlete, with good leg speed (key) and elite endurance (critical).

Those attributes remain his most important as since he was drafted the game has become increasingly aerobic and teams now need mutiple players who are elite athletes.

Nibbla has become the prototype high half forward, a role that didn't really exist when he was drafted (not in the sense of the crazy box to box defensive running the hhf now does).

The HHF has become a key role. Its not just a matter of slotting another role player into position, they have to be an elite athlete, with a massive tank and abilityt8 cover distance at speed - and they don't grow on trees as like nibbla they have to come into the AFL elite and build from there.

It's for that reason that we'll lose more than either port or crows will gain by drafting nibbla.

We simply don't have enough such players and will have to either draft or trade one in - even if there is a player in the team now who can slot into nibblas role (which I'm not convinced there is).

Nibbla leaving compounds losing Bedford as he would be the perfect replacement.

I don't think we'd play hardball either, what's the point? I'd see it as a Peter Walsh to Port scenario. 

I do wonder if he can adapt to another side's system easily as he's just been so perfect for ours.

[Demons11 6,847]

58 minutes ago, Ollie fan said:

I just hope we don't trade for Houston. We have Bowey, Hore, McVee, AMW , Rivers, Howes, Woey - we don't need another HBF. 
 

Out of left field: Ratagolea? He does some really dumb things but has size, can take a contested mark, and can chop out in the ruck.

You are joking aren’t you? Riv and McVee will play mid next year and the rest you mentioned are fringe players at best and Houston is an A grader 

[DeeSpencer 25,206]

I’m fine with letting him go and even acknowledging the trade request before the final round.

But you got to play the trade week games and get the best deal. That’s the business. 

Why are we acting like he’s a free agent? 

Tim Lamb gets offered peanuts from the South Australian clubs, how is he meant to hold out for a real offer now?

[Demons11 6,847]

13 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Footy is finally growing up.  

[Travy14 1,887]

46 minutes ago, Colm said:

People suggesting we might only get a third rounder remember we gave a good second rounder for McAdam last year, who had a terrible injury history and has barely played this season. 
If our recruitment team thinks Nibbler- a premiership player, leader, great role player and ultimate professional is worth less then its time they are shown the door as they are clearly not up to the job .

 

100% agree, I'm kind of hoping we do deal with the Crows so we can hold that in front of them.  No way McAdam was ever worth that.  Still dirty he is on our list!

[Adam The God 29,798]

15 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Endurance yes but im just thinking about Nibbler's running speed over distance.  As in his ability to quickly get from contest to contest.

Charlie seems to lope along a bit but is that just his running gate to the eye?

Regardless, finding a replacement equivalent or better than Nibbler wont be easy.  He also grew into this role and mastered it over many seasons.

That's true, but Charlie is an elite kick and user. 

Swings and round abouts.

[Jaded No More 68,779]

19 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Wishing you, Georgie and little Zara  all the absolute best.

These decisions are always hard, but putting your family ahead of your career just speaks to the brilliant individual that you are.

I hope we get lots of MELBOURNE fans to round 24 to give you the thanks you deserve.

Forever a premiership hero! 

 

PS- 2024 needs to die

Edited August 13 by Jaded No More

[John Demonic 5,651]

Just now, layzie said:

I don't think we'd play hardball either, what's the point? I'd see it as a Peter Walsh to Port scenario. 

I do wonder if he can adapt to another side's system easily as he's just been so perfect for ours.

Peter Walsh to Port? I must've missed that one. As a kid, he was there and then he was not haha.

Though I do remember being disappointed that we only got pick 10(?) for Scott Thompson who looked like he would be our best player for a decade

 

[Philthy84 41]

The blokes has given us 10 years and is a ripping bloke. Had a baby with his wife this year and clearly wants to be closer to family now. This has NOTHING to do with "culture" or the stuff going on at the club at the moment.

Possibly deal with Port and maybe this is how we get Houston? I wish him all the best.