ALEX Neal-Bullen will be in new colours next season, after the club agreed to a trade with the Adelaide Crows on Monday afternoon.

Neal-Bullen, who has played 176 games for the Demons, will head to West Lakes, with Melbourne receiving pick No.28 in return.

The 28-year-old formally requested a move last month, with a desire to return to his home state of South Australia due to family circumstances.

Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb thanked Neal-Bullen for his incredible contribution over the past decade.

“Alex is not only a fantastic footballer but an outstanding individual,” Lamb said.

“His dedication, work ethic, and leadership have been invaluable to our team. He embodies the values that we hold dear at Melbourne, and his presence has been felt far beyond just his on-field performance.

“This decision was one Alex did not take lightly. We understand how necessary this move was for him and his family, and we are pleased to have been able to work with Adelaide to finalise a deal that is in the best interest of all parties.

“Alex, his wife Georgie, their daughter Zara and the extended Neal-Bullen family will always have a home in Melbourne. We thank them for all they have given to the club over the past 10 years.”

Neal-Bullen was selected by the Demons with pick No.40 in the 2014 Rookie Draft, making his debut the following season.

He departs as a premiership player, having been a member of Melbourne’s successful 2021 AFL campaign, with two Norm Smith Memorial Trophy awards (coaches’ award) and a Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (third-place best and fairest, 2024) to his name.