MELBOURNE has launched the David Neitz Academy, a program designed for first and second year players.

The academy is named in honour of Neitz, who holds the record for the most matches played, goals kicked and games captained by a Melbourne player.

Development coach Max Rooke said the club wanted to recognise the 306-gamer who kicked 631 goals from 1993-2008.

“This is a specific program aimed at fast-tracking first and second year players’ development on and off the field. From this day forward, the program will be known as the David Neitz Academy,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“David captained the most games, kicked the most goals and is the only Melbourne player to play more than 300 games in over 150 years of the club’s existence.

“But it’s the behaviours that he displayed throughout his entire career that we want our younger players to emulate. His attitude towards training, his attention to detail and his selfless attitude are things we want all our young players at the Melbourne Football Club to value.”

Neitz said he was honoured to have the academy named after him.

“It’s really nice to have the academy named after me, but I think it’s a great thing for the club to have an academy system in place,” he said.

“There is a lot of information for players to take in, during their first year or two of being involved in the AFL. They’ve got to deal with game styles and a higher talent pool than what they’re used to at the under-18 system or wherever they’ve come from.

“To have this program in place, I think it’s a really good step for the club. They can have a dedicated space to hone their craft and work on a whole host of things, which is great for the club.

“Being removed from the club, I’ve extended an olive branch for any of the guys to contact me or I might pop down occasionally, if they want me to add a different voice from their normal voices coming through their development and line coaches.”