Adelaide Vice Captain Ben Keays says the influence of recruit Alex Neal-Bullen has been pivotal to the Crows’ success in 2025.
On the field, the former Demon is enjoying an ultra-consistent campaign, averaging 16.7 disposals, 4.2 tackles and kicking 15 goals as a high-half forward this season.
But his impact is not limited to his performances on game day, with his strong work ethic and leadership qualities helping drive the group’s improvement off the field.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Keays went in-depth on Neal-Bullen’s role and how it helped the entire team around him.
“His workrate is extremely high, he works back in defence to an elite level, he’s probably one of the best players in the competition at doing it,” Keays said.
“So what that does is slows down the opposition, and as a team it allows us to create more turnovers, so just getting back and playing his role adds density and is such a crucial aspect to how we play.
“That’s just one example (of what he does to help us), that half forward role is so important to all teams, and I think we’ve got one of the best at doing in terms of offensive, defense and contest in Alex.
“Then you go to off field, from day one he was leading the running and wanted to work hard, train hard and drive the standards - so that all has had a great impact on the group.”
Both Keays and Neal-Bullen were key contributors to the Crows’ clinical 98-point victory against crosstown rival Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
Faced with heavy-rain conditions, the Crows embraced the challenge, as they dominated around the contest and still managed to pile on 20 goals.
“It certainly was one of our stronger wins of the season,” Keays said.
“There have been times this year, especially in those conditions, that we have played really well and had some big wins - which is awesome growth for us.
“Usually those conditions are trying, but we’re embracing it now and trying to use it to our advantage and use those conditions to empower us.
“Overall I’m just super proud of the group.”
The task does not get any easier for the Crows this week, as they face an in-form Hawthorn outfit in a Friday night blockbuster at Adelaide Oval.
“These are the games you want to be playing in,” Keays said.
“Hawthorn are a team that beat us earlier in the year, and beat us a couple of times last year as well, so we are going to have our work cut out for us on Friday night.
“It’s an exciting prospect to have them come to our place and play us on a big Friday night stage, and we can’t wait for the challenge.”
Adelaide faces Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval this Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.10pm (ACST).
Get your tickets here.
