Melbourne’s greatest goal kicker, games record holder and club captain David Neitz has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The Demon champion was advised by a number of specialists that if he continued his career he may be at risk of spinal injury. After suffering a bulging disc in the pre-season, Neitz had an injury reoccurrence in Round 5 against Carlton which would end his 19 year career at the Melbourne Football Club.
In an exclusive interview with melbournefc.com.au today, Neitz said “Everyone would love a fairytale ending to their football careers, to be cheered off after your last game, but that is rarely the case. It is disappointing to end on this note, but to play 300 games of football for the Melbourne Football Club, I’d have to consider myself a very fortunate person.”
In 2007 Neitz became the first Melbourne player to play 300 games for the club and retires as the clubs record games holder and goals record holder, along with multiple award and other records including being the longest serving captain, 6 time leading goal kicker and 4 time best and fairest. A fitting record for a champion Demon.
