Alex Neal-Bullen

Last updated on November 27, 2024 at 13:07 pm

Posted on June 6, 2024 at 08:56 am

Personal information

Full name

Alex Neal-Bullen

Nickname(s)

Nibbla, nibs

Date of birth

9 January 1996 (age 28)

Original team(s)

Glenelg (SANFL)

Draft

No. 40, 2014 national draft

Debut

Round 11, 2015, Melbourne vs. St Kilda, at Etihad Stadium

Height

182 cm (6 ft 0 in)

Weight

80 kg (176 lb)

Position(s)

Midfielder

Club information

Current club

Melbourne

Number

30

Playing career1

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


2015–

Melbourne

161 (112)


Career highlights

  • AFL premiership player: 2021

  • 2021 Norm Smith Memorial Trophy


Rising Star in AFL: Alex Neal-Bullen’s Journey

Alex Neal-Bullen’s journey in the AFL is a tale of talent and perseverance. From a family with a sports legacy to winning Melbourne’s premiership in 2021, he’s made a mark. Neal-Bullen’s versatile playing style, precision in kicking, and strong tackling skills make him a key player. His career stats show consistent excellence. His impact on the Melbourne Football Club is undeniable. Discover the full story behind Alex Neal-Bullen’s rising star status.

Early Life and Background

Born into a family deeply ingrained in sports, Alex Neal-Bullen’s early life was shaped by a legacy of athleticism and a passion for competition. His grandmother, Cheryl Neal, made history as the first female jockey to win a race in Melbourne against men in 1979, setting the stage for Alex’s future in sports.

Studying education and disability at Flinders University in 2014, Neal-Bullen also honed his skills on the football field playing junior football at Mitchell Park Football Club and Glenelg Football Club. This early exposure to both academic pursuits and athletic endeavors laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the AFL, where he would go on to make a significant impact with his talent and dedication.

Career Overview

Alex Neal-Bullen’s career in the AFL showcases a remarkable journey marked by consistent performance and remarkable achievements since his debut in 2015. Recruited by the Melbourne Football Club in 2014, he made his AFL debut in 2015 and played mainly for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL in 2016.

Neal-Bullen’s career statistics, updated to the end of round 8, 2024, reflect his consistent performance across seasons. He has excelled in various statistical categories such as goals, kicks, disposals, tackles, and marks, achieving career milestones along the way.

Significantly, he was a key contributor to Melbourne’s gameplay, which led to him being part of the AFL premiership-winning team with Melbourne in 2021 and winning the McClelland Trophy in the same year.

Playing Style and Skills

In AFL, Neal-Bullen’s playing style and skills exemplify a combination of versatility and tactical acumen that contribute considerably to his team’s success. His ability to impact the game in various roles on the field showcases his adaptability and strategic thinking. Here is a breakdown of some of Alex Neal-Bullen’s key playing style and skills:

Playing Style

Skills

Versatile

Precise kicking

Tactical thinker

Strong marking

Hardworking

Effective tackling

Team player

Quick decision-making

Forward pressure

Goal sense

Statistics

Neal-Bullen’s statistical performance in the AFL reflects consistent excellence and substantial contributions to Melbourne’s gameplay. His career statistics, updated to the end of round 8, 2024, showcase an impressive level of performance across seasons.

Stat

2024 Season Average

Career Average

Standout Season Performance

Standout Career Performance

Career Total

Disposals

18.8

15.8

27 against St Kilda, Round 11

28 against Geelong Cats, Round 3, 2017

2775

Kicks

9.7

8.9

17 against Port Adelaide, Round 22

25 against Geelong Cats, Round 3, 2017

1564

Goals

0.4

0.7

No stats available

No stats available

116

Marks

3.3

3

7 against Gold Coast SUNS, Round 23

9 against St Kilda, Round 21, 2017

523

Tackles

5.1

4.4

12 against Carlton, Round 9

12 against Carlton, Round 9, 2024

769

Clearances

2.7

1.5

6 against Essendon, Round 18

7 against Western Bulldogs, Round 19, 2021

259

Handballs

9.1

6.9

14 against St Kilda, Round 11

18 against Richmond, Round 6, 2022

1211


Legacy and Impact

With his consistent excellence and impactful contributions, Alex Neal-Bullen has solidified a lasting legacy in the AFL. Throughout his career, Neal-Bullen has showcased his remarkable skills and dedication to the sport, leaving a significant impact on the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL as a whole. His ability to perform under pressure, his versatility on the field, and his leadership qualities have set him apart as a formidable player.

Neal-Bullen’s achievements, including being part of Melbourne’s 2021 premiership-winning team and winning individual accolades such as the VFL JJ Liston Trophy in 2016, highlight his immense talent and dedication to the game. His legacy will without a doubt inspire future generations of players and leave a lasting mark on the league.


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