Melbourne forward Alex Neal-Bullen has reportedly informed the Demons of his desire to leave the club at the end of this season.

Neal-Bullen, who is contracted until the end of 2026, is said to be keen to return to his home state of South Australia to be closer to his family, per The Age.

The decision is not related to recent concerns of Melbourne's direction, which have been aired this week following recent speculation surrounding Demons star Christian Petracca's future.

Neal-Bullen, a product from Plympton, reportedly made the Demons aware of hopes of moving back to SA as early as the coming off-season several weeks ago.

It is understood that Adelaide are aware of Neal-Bullen's desire, however have left the situation to be dealt with by the Demons for now.

Port Adelaide's list focus is placed toward attaining free agency talent and utilising their draft hand. The Power have been linked to GWS pair Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming this year.

Alex Neal-Bullen during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Adelaide have mostly recently been tied to contracted Gold Coast tall Jack Lukosius, who is said to be attainable this year. Lukosius was dropped from Damien Hardwick's side for Round 22 to face Essendon.

Neal-Bullen has played 174 games for Melbourne since making his debut in 2015, with the hard-nosed forward holding a key role in the club's drought-breaking premiership in 2021.

Like Lukoisus, he would sharpen the Crows' spear under Matthew Nicks as the South Australian club looks to recover from the campaign that has fallen short of expectations.

Adelaide also have a pending decision on Taylor Walker's future, with the club's all-time leading goalkicker still unsigned beyond 2024.

The Melbourne veteran has since confirmed reports of a trade request at season's end, the club releasing a statement affirming his desire to head home due to "family circumstances."