IN THE end, it came down to one pivotal question.

"The question I had to ask myself was: 'Do I want to be on the surgeon's table having discs fused in the back of my neck?'."

It was at that point when David Neitz knew his illustrious 306-game and 631-goal AFL career with Melbourne spanning from 1993-2008 had drawn to a close.

After close to 20 years at the club, Neitz said farewell as arguably the club's greatest player, having registered more games, goals and matches led than any other player to don the red and blue in 150 years. It's the stuff of a boys’ own annual.

But when he "had an overwhelming sense that something wasn't right" after playing Carlton in round five this year - ultimately his final AFL match - Neitz had to "explore all of the options" to find out what was happening with an ongoing neck problem, which had plagued him since last December.

And the choice that was in front of him was not one he was willing to risk, particularly after two surgeons agreed football "was out of the question" for the rest of 2008.

"Obviously I've been knocked around for 15 years and there have been little incidents along the way, but for whatever reason, I just woke up with a crook neck and it happens to a lot of people apparently, but it's not conducive to playing AFL footy," Neitz said.

"I'm sure for normal, everyday life I'll be fine, but trying to take on AFL football is not something I can do anymore."

Neitz, who joined Melbourne as a 15-year-old and retires aged 33, said it had been "a fantastic journey" and a "great privilege" playing at the highest level.

"Obviously [I'm] really proud. I haven't necessarily been the greatest, talented player going around, but I think I've been a competitive player and been quite passionate about this footy club and how I go about my business and I'm really proud about that," Neitz said.

"I'm proud of the fact as captain, I've been in [this position] for eight-and-a-half [seasons] and in that time I've been in the finals five times and we haven't been able to get to the holy grail, but I'm proud of that fact that we've been there and had some level of success."

Although Neitz said "there's no doubt" he's had his moments with the club over the journey and has experienced some emotional times recently, he was adamant he didn't regret playing on this year.

"You can only do what you think is the right thing to do at the time and I don't regret it at all. I think to learn from Dean Bailey … seeing some of these young guys come into the side … Cale Morton and Aussie Wonaeamirri … I don't look back and regret that decision - it was the absolute right decision to make at the time," Neitz said.

"Unfortunately, I haven't been able to continue on."

And that means some of Neitz's other most treasured football moments won't carry on either.

"The thing that I'm going to miss the most is the camaraderie and having this great family around you all of the time … as everyone is striving to achieve the same thing and it's a magical thing to be a part of," Neitz said.

"I'll miss the anticipation, as you're building up towards the game - not knowing about how long you're going to perform and how the team is going to perform. Are we on? Are we right?

"Standing in the huddle before the bounce, looking each other in the eye and getting out there and putting your whole self out there - I'm going to really miss the challenges that come with that - it's just an unreal, amazing environment to be a part of - I'm going to miss a lot of those things."

So what will the now former Melbourne skipper (2000-08), Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy winner (2002), Coleman Medallist (2002), dual All-Australian (1995 and 2002) and seven-time Melbourne leading goalkicker turn his attention to now?

Well, he has worked with Australia Post one day a week for the past three years and has started developing a communications consultancy, yet he may switch his focus to an off-field role with Melbourne, following further discussions with the club's hierarchy.

"What I will do is a little bit of work with the footy department and help the forward line and work with [forwards coach] Josh Mahoney," Neitz said.

"I know the AFL has made some comments about the Melbourne Football Club not standing for anything, so from a brand perspective, I'll work with [president] Paul [Gardner] alongside him and help out finding an answer to some of those questions that the AFL is asking of the Melbourne footy club."

If that's the case, then there is no greater Melbourne brand than one David Neitz to sell the message.