This in and under South Australian has some Luke Parker-like qualities
A STRONG, hard-bodied midfielder with senior experience, Alex Neal-Bullen is a draft prospect with solid credentials.
Oftenit's easy to overlook his influence on games: his possessions arelargely gathered in and under packs, and he doesn't have the breakawayspeed to burst out of a pack.
But, in his timewith Glenelg's senior team and South Australia's NAB AFL Under-18Championships campaign, Neal-Bullen had a big impact with a calmpresence, poise with the ball, and an ability to just keep getting it.
Neal-Bullenshowed his elite running power at the combine, where he posted thethird-best three-kilometre time trial (9:54 minutes) and a level 15.2beep test.
That's a central part of his game, with Neal-Bullen able to get to plenty of stoppages and make an impact when he's there.
Insix games for South Australia during the under-18 championships, the182cm/77kg prospect averaged 18 disposals and five clearances a game,and he's also an aggressive tackler (averaging four a game).
Importantly, Neal-Bullen also has senior experience, having performed well for Glenelg.
Innine games at the SANFL's top level, he averaged 20 disposals andshowed his talents as a ball winning and consistent inside midfielder(almost 40 per cent of his disposals in the seniors were contested).
Neal-Bullendoesn't have the out-and-out spread from contests that othermidfielders possess, which is probably what pushes him down the order atouch.
His speed in games is OK without beingexceptional, but showed at the combine that it wasn't one of his go-tostrengths (he tested 3.12 over 20 metres).
LukeParker has developed into one of the premier young midfielders in thecompetition, and Neal-Bullen carries some of the same traits as theemerging Sydney Swans on-baller.
Neal-Bullen bases his game on his quick hands at stoppages and capacity at winning contested disposals.
Neal-Bullen is probably a second or third-round draft prospect.
Levelheadedand a quality leader, Neal-Bullen ticks some important boxes. He'llneed to work on a few things, but has the temperament, tenacity anddesire to make an impact in the midfield.
A raw behind-the-scenes look at the club's team photo day.
01:40
Players Serve Up Chaos at Grill’d!
The boys trade footy for burgers as we team up with Grill’d. Watch the chaos unfold as they try their hand at serving up laughs, spills, and some seriously messy moments! Two Melbourne-born icons have joined forces, with the Demons and Grill’d Burgers partnering for 2025 and beyond.
03:59
Highlights
Highlights
Match Simulation Highlights
Catch the best of Melbourne's main training session at Casey Fields on Friday.
03:11
Highlights
Highlights
Open Training Highlights
We hosted open training on Gosch's Paddock on Wednesday morning.