Heart Beats True

I’ve had enough of 2024 and the constant negativity with player unrest or issues. Would be great to hear some positive news from the club over the offseason that can generate some excitement heading into next season.

Here you go: Melbourne premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen has told the club he would like to return to South Australia at season’s end for family reasons. His request is not related to any concerns about the club’s direction but based on the new father’s desire to be closer to family. This masthead confirmed with two industry sources who wanted to remain anonymous that the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, had made the request several weeks ago. The Crows are understood to be aware of his desire to return to South Australia but have left the matter for Melbourne to work through. Port Adelaide are focused on securing free agents and retaining draft picks. The news will come as a blow to the Demons, who released a statement on Tuesday following reports that Christian Petracca was disillusioned with the club’s direction saying the star midfielder was certain to remain with the club until at least the end of 2029. CEO Gary Pert revealed they were engaging with players, coaches and staff to review the club’s football operations after a disappointing 2024. The Demons were contacted for comment. The Crows are already targeting Gold Coast playmaker Jack Lukosius, two years after they lured fellow South Australian and draft peer Izak Rankine from the Suns. Adelaide unsuccessfully pursued Neal-Bullen’s teammate, swingman Harry Petty, who is also from SA, in last year’s trade period. Petty recently re-signed with the Demons. Neal-Bullen, who has taken on a bigger midfield role in Petracca’s absence through injury, played in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership and is rated highly internally. He signed a three-year deal in April last year.

They just covered off the issue on AFL360 and Robbo categorically stated he isn’t going anywhere. He believes the issue lies with Melbourne having an old style coach that is fixated on a contest style of play and hence playing the most “boring style of football in the league”. Take it with a grain of salt but I can’t disagree with him on our style of play.

Very wet start to the week in the GC however come Saturday, beautiful and 27°. Be nice to beat the Suns on a ground they have dominated at this season.

Agree that development has been ok however his role as kicking coach leaves a bit to be desired based on results the last two seasons.

Very straight bat response as expected and needed. Let’s hope that the words actually truly lead to action and change. Onwards and upwards.

Pretty tough for Mark Korda to comment as he isn’t the President of the filth. That would be Jeff Browne. Playing devils advocate, are you privy to each clubs member communication to make this call?

Christian Petracca warning emerges after AFL trade claim: ‘He would lie to you Another fluff article with Tim Watson highlighting again what a complete muppet he is.

But I thought everyone was happy and loved the coach and club? Welcome to the reality of a football club. Would hate to lose him but understand the frustration. Change is needed and must happen rapidly.

You have my vote.

Maybe he’s just being overly cautious not to show any bias to the Dees and consequently he leans too far the other way.

It’s amazing how exciting football can be by moving the ball quickly, tackling hard and hitting targets. If only …….

Agree. He just doesn’t look interested other than when he has the ball in his hands. Highly skilled yet visibly not motivated.

As the large majority have already stated, we need a clean out and some fresh faces in the coaches box and on the field. The fact we couldn’t hit the side of a barn and brick ourselves under pressure is a huge concern. Time to make some hard calls on some favourite sons including TMac and Oliver as well as move on Stafford and Choco plus others. We need an on-field identity change rather than relying on contested ball, as currently we are becoming a Ross Lyon style of dour football which is fecking horrible to watch.

The Bombers are genuinely pathetic and I love it.

We’ve turned into a Ross Lyon style of display. Boring football.

Fritsch needs to be better than that. That was a pathetic kick to no one’s advantage.

The crowd is so sparse that it sounds like a COVID game with the fake noise.

Petty is playing well. Getting physical and tackling hard. Great to see. if someone could teach ANB to kick, that would be great.

Where the hell was Fritters prior then? 🤦🏼‍♂️

Their pace is a huge problem. WTF Nibbler 🤷‍♂️

Billings replacing Woey tonight due to illness.

Great size to him and explosiveness.

It’s amazing what happens when you play with pace and great foot skills. The speed is overwhelming the Bears.