ALEX Neal-Bullen says it was a “huge honour” to play for Melbourne in 2015 and also with his great mate Billy Stretch.

Drafted at pick No.40 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Neal-Bullen joined his good friend and fellow South Australian Billy Stretch at the Dees.  

Speaking to Dee TV, Neal-Bullen said that it had been “great” to share his journey with Stretch.

“First year, we both played 11 games so I don’t know who is writing the script but it’s a bloody good script so far,” he said.

“It’s been a great year; we learn a lot of each other and we take each other in our stride. We get the best out of each other and we’re looking forward to getting back to Adelaide for a bit over the off-season and training with each other down there.”

Living in South Australia, Neal-Bullen said he always knew there was a possibility he would need to move interstate to pursue his football career.

“I’m not a Victorian so there was a higher chance that if I was going to get drafted, I’d end up in another state so I kind of got my head around it [early on],” he said.

“It’s a huge life experience [moving interstate] and you learn a lot from it. Looking back now, I’m so happy I had to go out of my comfort zone and interact with new people.

“You do miss your family and friends at stages but I’m doing what I love and it’s been a good journey so hopefully that are a few more years to go.”

Reflecting on his future at Melbourne, Neal-Bullen said he feels a sense of anticipation and responsibility.

“It’s an exciting time because you’re coming into a club that is only going upwards so to be part of that and feel like you can contribute to the direction of where the club is heading is really exciting.

“It’s a great bunch boys this year that came in and even the second and third year are all rippers in that we’ve all got our mind set on the one thing and that’s taking this club to the top.”