RESPECTED, loved, valued.  

Those are just few of the many descriptors for Alex Neal-Bullen, the man adored by Melbourne fans across the country and those within the four walls of the football club.  

So, when the 28-year-old announced his desire to be traded to a South Australian-based team, it came as difficult news for those among the red and blue.  

But it wasn’t an easy decision for Neal-Bullen, who has treasured his last 10 years as a Demon and was making the request with his family circumstances in mind.  

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A Melbourne Person | Alex Neal-Bullen

We sit down with Alex Neal-Bullen after he seeks a trade back home to South Australia

Having first comes to the Dees in 2014 via pick No.40 at the National Draft, the small forward has developed into an important leader of the football club.  

On Wednesday he gathered his Melbourne teammates and football staff together to share the bittersweet news, grateful for the opportunity to shed light on his decision.  

“I wanted to make sure I got in front of the group and given the context of the decision, why I need to head home with my family,” Neal-Bullen told Melbourne Media.   

To be able to do that was very special to me, I wanted to do the right thing by the footy club and make sure that my teammates and staff members understood the reasons why I've had to make this tough decision.

“I've got great relationships within these four walls, many of them I've been with since day one, 10 years ago.  

“It was a tough conversation to have when I did tell them, but I'll get to enjoy these next two weeks with the whole football club. Not just the players, not just the coaches, but with everyone.  

“I look forward to cherishing these last two weeks with still some great footy to play and I can't wait to pull on the jumper a couple more times.” 

Neal-Bullen has become the heart and soul of the club in the last few years, a player who is consistently leaving it all out on the ground, determined and dedicated to reach the goals of the team and club.  

Known for the role he plays on-field and the leadership he shows off-field, it’s no wonder that he’s been admired by the Demon faithful.  

And Neal-Bullen feels the exact same way, expressing his love for the club and its people.  

“I adore this place, the people within it, the journey that I've been on with the footy club,” Neal-Bullen said.  

Simon Goodwin in particular, he picked me up from the airport as an 18-year-old, coming over from South Australia and since that moment, he's guided me through this journey, along with some other important figures that have allowed me to grow as a person.

“To make some friendships that will be lifelong and some memories that I'll be telling my kids and grandkids one day. 

“To be a Melbourne person, it's very important to me and the Neal-Bullen family will be long-aligned with this great footy club.” 

With two games left of the AFL home-and-away season, Neal-Bullen is eager to show the fans what himself and his teammates are capable of.  

“I just want to see us play some great footy for our fans out there,” Neal-Bullen said.  

We're really determined to put on two great performances.

“First one, winning this week against Gold Coast who are in in good form. To get away together, both the VFL and AFL sides traveling together, it's a great opportunity. 

“I just can't wait to pull on the jumper and really cherish these moments.”