New Crow Alex Neal-Bullen says his love for Aussie Rules began as a youngster watching Adelaide matches at the old footy park.

Now, more than a decade after his career in the sport began, the South Australian product will don the tri colours as a player.

The former Melbourne star joined the Crows on Monday, after the two clubs finalised a trade deal.

Speaking at West Lakes on Tuesday, Neal-Bullen said returning home to SA was a priority but being traded to the team he grew up supporting meant the world.

“My wife and I thought the best thing for our family was to get home,” Neal-Bullen said.

“So when Adelaide came with an opportunity, being a Crows fan, I used to come to AAMI Stadium (Football Park) to watch my footy, so the little boy in me was jumping up and down.

“I obviously grew up in Adelaide, this is where I fell in love with the AFL, so to be here now as a Crow, it’s very exciting for me and my family.

“I am so grateful… (and) really excited for the opportunity to be an Adelaide Crow.”

I obviously grew up in Adelaide, this is where I fell in love with the AFL.

Neal-Bullen was drafted from Glenelg in 2014 and played 176 AFL games for the Demons, including the 2021 Grand Final win.

Although the 28-year-old brings plenty of experience, Neal-Bullen says his focus is now on fitting into his new Club.

“To be totally honest with you, I don't walk around thinking that I'm a Premiership player,” Neal-Bullen said.

“I was so fortunate to be a part of that (Melbourne) group, but for me walking into this footy Club, my sole focus is to understand what the Adelaide Footy Club is about, what they stand for week-to-week, day-to-day, and get right in behind that.

“I can see how hungry (Adelaide) is to improve and no one is standing still at this footy Club.

“That’s what excites me, everyone is here with a hunger and a desire to get this footy Club moving in the right direction… and for me to have an opportunity to be a part of that, I sit here knowing I am in a great spot.”

Despite the excitement of starting a new chapter with his boyhood Club, Neal-Bullen says he can’t thank the Demons enough for the decade-long journey.

“Even in the past few months, the support and understanding they have shown to me and my family around our situation and desire to get back to South Australia,” he said.

“To get it done so early on in the trade period allows me to now become settled in this new environment and I am really excited to get the ball rolling with this new group.

“The Melbourne Football Club means a lot to me and my family, to have a 10-year journey there where that footy Club started in a rebuild and we were able to have some success throughout that journey.”