ALEX Neal-Bullen has locked in a new contract with the club and will remain with Melbourne until at least the end of the 2019 season.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Neal-Bullen had earned his deal after making strong progress in 2017.
“Alex had a frustrating year last year in terms of AFL selection, however we thought that he improved significantly during the year,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“This year his development has been rewarded with selection and we have seen his performances improve throughout the season.
“Alex provides us with the flexibility to play a number of roles either forward or through the midfield, with his physicality and running capabilities.”
The 21-year-old said he was “stoked” about securing his future for the next two seasons.
“It’s good to put the hard work in at the start of the year and I’m just starting to see the rewards now, which is good,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I just feel like it’s all coming together. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction and the hard work throughout the year is starting to pay off.
“The contract is an added bonus as well and I’m excited for the next two years at the footy club. I can’t complain there at all.”
Neal-Bullen, who was selected at No.40 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, has played 32 matches since making his AFL debut in round 11, 2015 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
The forward said he had taken his game to another level this year, playing 17 matches.
Despite being a born and bred South Australian, Neal-Bullen said he never had any thought of heading back home.
“No, not at all. Melbourne is home now and I enjoy living here and the footy club is home and I really feel part of it and really feel part of something special building here,” he said.
“Everyone is excited for what could be at the end of the next two weeks, but we’re just taking each game as it comes and we’re really going to attack the Lions and then move on from Collingwood and focus on the last game.
“It’s an exciting time and we’re definitely ready for whatever comes in the next few weeks.”
