Bullen, taken at pick number 63 in last year’s Draft, is a smart, running utility who has made a big impression in his first season at the club. He is hard at the ball, has excellent awareness and vision and keeps cool under pressure.
In reserves footy this year he has shown an ability to get plenty of the ball, has quick hands and knows how to use the footy constructively. He came from the Murray Bushrangers in the under-18 competition, and was considered by many observers to have been best afield for Victorian country in the Division One final of the national championships.
Bullen stands at 184cm and weighs in at 82kg. The Bomber hierarchy considered last year that he would be physically capable of playing at senior level in 2001, and the rash of injuries and suspensions that has hit Windy Hill, combined with his own outstanding form, has given him his chance.
Judd Lalich, who has also been in consistent form in the seconds, will also make his first senior appearance for the year in Friday night’s match at Colonial. Lalich has been close to senior selection on several occasions this year, and finally gets his chance this week.
Lalich and Bullen have been brought into the side to replace Dustin Fletcher, suspended for one week, and Mark Bolton, who has been omitted. John Barnes and Gary Moorcroft, both late withdrawals last week, again failed to come up.
