SOUTH Australian Alex Neal-Bullen says he “couldn’t believe” he landed at Melbourne – and with great match Billy Stretch – when his name was called out at selection No.40 in last Thursday night’s NAB AFL Draft.

And Stretch said it was “pretty surreal” to have close mate Neal-Bullen join the club.

“It’s pretty special that Alex landed at the Dees at pick 40,” he said at the MCG on Wednesday.

“It’s just a great feeling … we’ll get the best out of each other and we’ll certainly challenge each other and we’re looking forward to the road ahead.”

The pair has known each other since under 10s when the duo competed in athletics in Adelaide.

Stretch said Neal-Bullen “had him covered” when they were younger.  

“He always used to pip me,” he said.

But Neal-Bullen added: “It’s evened out over the years now – it’s toe-for-toe now.”

“He’s more the sprint [runner] with the acceleration, whereas the endurance – that’s where I come in.”