HE may fly under the radar when it comes to those celebrated externally, but within Melbourne’s four walls, Alex Neal-Bullen is one of the club’s most valued players.
The Demon is known by those around him as a hard-working leader whose values lead the team both on and off the field.
During Saturday’s game, all of this was on show, with the 28-year-old playing an important role in Melbourne’s 55-point win over Hawthorn.
Neal-Bullen collected 24 disposals, six tackles and seven score involvements, in an outing that earned him praise from all those around him at the Dees.
Greg Stafford, the club’s forward line coach, was quick to show his love for Neal-Bullen following the game.
“He’s a heart and soul player and gives us so much,” Stafford told Melbourne Media.
“I don’t necessarily know if the football world knows what he does for us, but internally he’s loved.
“He runs deep in defence to help us win a ground ball, he plays a role where he just doesn’t go outside those role parameters, the pressure and the contest that he gives us, the hard work on both sides of the ball he provides and he’s just a great teammate, always supporting those around him.
“When you bundle all that up, you can see why we love him so much.”
At the conclusion of Melbourne’s pre-season, Neal-Bullen was celebrated as one of the best performers in the lead up to the team’s 2024 campaign.
His effort and talent reached new heights, the experienced Demon pushing himself further, despite it being his 10th season at the club.
“From the time that Alex has stepped foot inside this club, that’s the way he’s gone about it,” Stafford said of his hard work.
“He leaves nothing out there, he gives it everything he’s got.
“I think when his final days come, and he looks back at his career, he’ll really enjoy the fact that he’s given it everything and that’s why he is the player he is for us today.
“Incredibly, he has found another edge, but that’s off the back of his hard work and his desire to be as good as he can be.”
As one of the club’s leaders, Neal-Bullen’s connection with the playing group is incredibly important and something that Stafford said is one of the most impressive aspects to his game.
“He leans into everything that gets thrown at him,” Stafford said.
“His effort to help us defensively, the fact he goes so hard, not knowing if he’s going to get the nourishment of the football but just to help his team.
“He's unwavering in his support of our team.”
