Crows defensive duo Josh Worrell and Mark Keane have received plenty of plaudits for their growth as AFL players in 2025. 

And according to teammate Alex Neal Bullen, it’s been the pair’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations that has taken their game to the next level. 

The Crows forward fronted the media on Monday, highlighting Worrell and Keane as prime examples of how the group had grown in its ability to stand up under pressure. 

“There’s been some players that I’ve just been blown away by how young they are and how inexperienced they are from a games point of view,” Neal Bullen said. 

“When I say maturity I’m talking about when the intensity is at its highest on an AFL field, who do you look at and see they are still thinking with a clear head and executing their roles. 

“Joshy Worrell this year has been a great example of that, he’s playing every week like a mature player because he is doing those things I touched on and executing his role under the highest of pressure. 

“He’s got his good mate in Mark Keane who’s someone else that’s gone from strength-to-strength in that area, you’ll see through every line there are players that have gone to another level with their maturity which has allowed our group to grow.” 

Neal-Bullen forms part of a Crows forward mix that has scored the most points out of any team this season. 

Balance has been key to Adelaide’s success in the attacking half, which was on full display against the Swans on Saturday, as it registered 14 individual goal-kickers on its way to a 90-point victory. 

“This group of forwards that we have here, we balance each other out so well, it’s not a one man show,” Neal Bullen said. 

“Although we all bring different skill-sets and vary in experience, we never look to just one individual and that’s something I’m really proud to say as part of the Adelaide Crows’ forward line. 

“There’s a lot of talent, but the ability to recognise your role as an individual and understand what you need to bring each week is incredible. 

“There will be weeks where guys will pop up and kick five goals, but I think overall you are seeing a really balanced performance.”

Adelaide’s attention now turns to a blockbuster against reigning premier Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. 

Neal-Bullen said the side was excited for an opportunity to play on the Friday night stage. 

“We’ve built up to a level now where when we get to the start line of each game, there is a level of expectation internally,” Neal Bullen said. 

“Brisbane are a team that play in a lot of big games, I’m sure the boys have watched a lot of their footy, because they are a team everybody aspires to be like. 

“We’ll really enjoy this week building up, it's a big game, it’s where this footy Club wants to be, playing on Friday night against a great team. 

“So for us it’s a great opportunity as a group to come together and show that level of maturity and match it with the best.”

The match will also mark the second running of the Club’s SA Freeze event, which will help raise funds for the FightMND cause. 

Having featured in the iconic King’s Birthday clash at the MCG throughout his career, Neal-Bullen said it would be an honour to be part of the FightMND’s growth into interstate markets. 

“It’s been great having the experience of the event at the MCG over the past 8-10 years, you see the effect it has on the greater community,” Neal Bullen said. 

“So to see it move interstate and the effect the Fight MND cause is having on the nation, is very humbling and it will be a great privilege to be involved on Friday night. 

“If people out there are in the position to support this great cause, I would highly encourage it, even just coming to the game or buying a beanie, the small things count and the impact it has on the community is immense.” 

Adelaide faces Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on Friday, June 6, at 7.10pm.

To see the Crows trio be dunked and to snap up a beanie, get your tickets to the game here.