Vice Captain Alex Neal-Bullen says Adelaide got a true indication of what it takes to be one of the competition’s benchmark teams in its Semi-Final defeat against Brisbane. 

The Crows were outclassed by the reigning premiers at The Gabba, as they conceded the first five goals and were never able to take control of the contest to eventually fall by 53 points.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Neal-Bullen said the battle-hardened Lions taught Adelaide a lesson in how to play a consistent brand of finals footy.

“It certainly stings, and it’s still very raw,” Neal-Bullen said. 

“We just didn’t give ourselves a shot from the start, they jumped us, and the quality side that they are, and last night we saw why they've made the last three grand finals and why they're a contender again. 

“That is what we're striving to become, a team that can play consistent footy on the big stage, like the Lions showed not only last night but across the past few years. 

“They were just too good early on, but I’m really proud of our group, how we fought back into the game in the second term. However, the quality that they (the Lions) have and the brand of football that they brought, we just weren't able to compete with it.”

Adelaide felt the full force of the Lions in the opening stages of the match, as they booted five goals in seven minutes to open up what became a game-winning lead. 

Neal-Bullen dissected the start, and where Brisbane got its ascendancy. 

“They won the forward half game early, and with how potent their forward line is, they made it count on the scoreboard, and were very efficient,” Neal-Bullen said. 

“I think they had 10 inside-50s before we were able to get one, so that's always challenging, and their forwards were very accurate in front of goal early. 

“So as a team, we'll digest this over the next few months, but right now, we’re disappointed that we weren't able to showcase the brand of footy that we wanted to from the start.”

Despite the Semi-Final result, Neal-Bullen reflected positively on the 2026 season as a whole and the continued growth of the group.

“I think this year you've seen the growth of our team has come from the players we've got on our list,” Neal-Bullen said.

“Guys like Luke Nankervis who had some great moments last night, Lachie McAndrew, he's developed his game to a level where he's going toe-to-toe with the best ruckmen in the game. 

“James Borlase was in and out at the start of the year and then got his spot, so that's how we've developed this year, guys improving from within.

“Come next year, there's going to be new players within the team, there's going to be players who've spent time in the SANFL pushing the case to play AFL footy. So that's how we're going to get better, and we're led by a great coach who's leading the players well.”

The illustrious career of Taylor Walker came to an end on Saturday night, with the 36-year-old bowing out having played 319 games and kicked 715 goals. 

Neal-Bullen said the former Captain would always be welcomed back to the Club with open arms, and wished him well for what comes next.

“Whatever Tex does next, he'll always be welcome at the footy Club,” Neal-Bullen said. 

“One thing I've seen from Tex in my two years with him is the power he has on people, how he empowers them, how he understands an individual's strength as a footballer. 

“So if he stays in footy, he'll be so beneficial to anyone he is helping, but I know for a fact that Tex is keen to spend some time with family, and I know he's going to be traveling next year.”