ALEX Neal-Bullen may just be Melbourne’s quietest achiever.
He receives little fanfare for the role he plays, but he’s valued incredibly highly internally, placing ninth in the club’s best and fairest award.
The Dees’ number 30 is a leader of the team through both his voice and his actions and has missed just one match in the past two seasons.
The numbers
When it comes to stats without the ball, Neal-Bullen shines brighter than any other Demon due to his tireless work rate and constant pressure.
Disposals: 15.6 per game
Inside 50s: 3.6 per game
Tackles: 4.6 per game
Pressure acts: 23.2 per game
Turnovers forced: 4.3 per game (fourth in competition)
A highlight
In recent seasons, Neal-Bullen has become known for his passion, driving the Demon Spirit on the field.
The half-forward slotted nine goals in 2022, celebrating accordingly each time.
He slotted a clutch goal out of the centre square against the Pies in Round 21, but his running banana at the MCG six weeks earlier may just take the cake.
The Dees are rolling now 😈
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2022
Neal-Bullen kicks their third straight!#AFLDeesLions pic.twitter.com/2JbrLMWYnt
Best outing
Neal-Bullen started the year strong, picking up from where he left off in the 2021 finals.
The 26-year-old delivered his finest performance in Round 2, where he racked up 23 disposals, seven marks, five inside 50s, three rebound 50s and three clearances against the Suns.
As expected, Neal-Bullen’s pressure was high at Metricon Stadium as well, registering 26 pressure acts and laying nine tackles.
A quote
Neal-Bullen on his role:
“At the end of the day, each week I’ve got to bring an intensity and a mindset to bring my own high-level of football, but also help teammates in the way I do.”
Something social
When Neal-Bullen had the chance to wear a microphone at training, he decided to drop some wisdom for the fans watching on.