Marla Neal has proven herself as one of the most consistent inside midfielders over the past few seasons, moving to Casey Demons for the 2023 season after two years with Collingwood VFLW. The former Bendigo Pioneers junior who also played on the Apple Isle, Neal has seldom had a bad game at state league level to show she belongs.
Though there are more polished players, few could question her defensive intent and contested ball-winning ability, and has done so across two clubs. Neal finished third in the Demons' best and fairest, averaging 3.7 clearances from 12.7 disposals. She has averaged more than seven tackles per game across her three seasons, including a trio of double-figure tackle games.
Neal's main improvement is getting that improved outside game and hitting the scoreboard, having kicked only the one goal per season over the last three years. In terms of her inside work, Neal is one of the more readymade and consistent midfielders who can step in and play a role.
STRENGTHS:
- Contested work
- Clearances
- Clean hands
- Consistency
- Work rate
- Defensive pressure
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Outside game
- Scoreboard impact
- Polish
Picture credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
Vflw
| Season | Team | K | HB | D | M | CP | UP | T | HO | CLR | I50 | R50 | GL | GM | K | H | D | M | HO | T | G | DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Collingwood VFLW | 107 | 76 | 183 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 109 | 0 | 49 | 22 | 14 | 1 | 15 | 7.1 | 5.1 | 12.2 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 7.3 | 0.1 | 48 |
| 2022 | Collingwood VFLW | 115 | 65 | 180 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 113 | 0 | 58 | 24 | 20 | 1 | 15 | 7.7 | 4.3 | 12.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 7.5 | 0.1 | 51 |
| 2023 | Casey Demons VFLW | 103 | 62 | 165 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 93 | 0 | 48 | 19 | 11 | 2 | 13 | 7.9 | 4.8 | 12.7 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 7.2 | 0.2 | 52 |
| Total | - | 325 | 203 | 528 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 315 | 0 | 155 | 65 | 45 | 4 | 43 | 7.6 | 4.7 | 12.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 7.3 | 0.1 | 151 |
