None of what I am about to say has anything to do with the legacy of this great man. A true champion player who I hope will continue to have an influence around the club, but...

I am wondering if even at this early stage there is any room for discussion over his decision to take on the captaincy this year.

He knew prior to making this decision of the potential seriousness of his injury and therefore should have been able to foresee it's possible ramifications.

I think ultimately it was a poor decision and for such a giving bloke a rather self-centred one.

Some of the lack of on-field leadership has come from our captain. This has steamed from poor form, seemingly attributed to the his injury concerns. This lack of leadership has had a huge influence on our confidence, which I believe is currently our biggest problem.

I know this sounds tough, but this is what comes with being the captain of a club. It's been a horror 150th season and I just think the above needs to be acknowledged as a contributing factor in it.

Again this is something that should not taint a wonderful career, but something we should frame in the context of season 2008.

I would think its fair to assume no one knew the ramifications of this problem last year...even after the announcement after the carlton game neita was 99% sure he could play again it was only after the surgeons advice was sought that it became evident how bad the problem was. Neita is the absolute most passionate demon and clubman I have no doubt he would have stood down as captain and player if he thought 08 would turn out like this. I think the expectations of neita this year were set too high by supporters in any event; to say he is at fault for our lack of confidence is rubbish. U talk to any demon player and they will tell you they'd move the moon for neita. He is looked up to and respected by all. No one would have a greater onfield presence than neita and I think that a out of form neita was still a better option as captain than anyone else on our list.

And congrats on a stellar career neita i have rarely been to a game in my lifetime without u playing so it will be a sad wkend. You have always taken those pressure marks and kicked those pressure goals-making it look so easy. Can't forget that game against st kilda in 06 was one of the best displays ever. And that pack mark you took in the forward line early on this season (against geelong maybe? can't remember which game now..) showed that even with your injury you still have the courage that made you our best player. Thanks for the memories!

Just did an interview on 3AW - spoke about how the game may have overtaken him but is in good shape for the future.

A truly sad day for the Melbourne Football Club.

We will miss you Neita. You embodied everything we wanted in those who pull on the red and blue.

As supporters we owe you a lot. Seeing you run out and lead the team was an uplifting sight every game.

All the best for your future Neita, and congrats on a fantastic career. Thankyou for the memories.

Hear hear to all those who has posted. Without a doubt the greatest and most valuable Melbourne player of recent times.

You played footy the way it should be played in the Red and Blue - in every sense.

All the best post footy.

Go Dees.

I just got online for the first time in a few days as I'm in LA at the moment and first email I saw was this, such a sad day for all, a truer champion of the MFC there has never been, I will miss screaming out NEIIIIIIIITTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA when the big man took a mark out on the lead.

Thanks for running your body into the ground for us and the club we all love.

I just got online for the first time in a few days as I'm in LA at the moment and first email I saw was this, such a sad day for all, a truer champion of the MFC there has never been, I will miss screaming out NEIIIIIIIITTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA when the big man took a mark out on the lead.

Thanks for running your body into the ground for us and the club we all love.

How is LA travelling at the moment Condemned?

Bloody hot yesterday, today was not too bad, but Vegas is going to be 104 tomorrow and we fly in there tomorrow

But having fun, and getting the $5 milkshake is well worth it, even though I'm so bloated it's sickening, it was still worth it

I am wondering if even at this early stage there is any room for discussion over his decision to take on the captaincy this year.

At this early stage, I think most would prefer to focus on what has been a great career..............maybe we could leave the discussion until after his lap of honour, and his fans have said goodbye...........put this one decision into context of a great career over 15 years, and it becomes insignificant anyway.

the biggest shame in my view is the lack of premiships for our greats.. Flower,lyon ,neita we have to get it together... besides night flags that is.

great to see so many people from all the clubs are honoring him.. he just didnt have a bad bone in him.

But hes not dead or forgotten, make a medal or trophy in his honor and make him assistant coach or forward coach or give him andy lovells job lol

Well done Neita on such an outstanding career and for holding respect even through the hard times.Tj

David Neitz. A True Champion. Leader and pure Demon. All Time Great of the Game. You are a Legend. Long Live NEITA!

Thanks for the memories Neita!

It is a strange, hollow feeling knowing we won't ever see you grace the 'G in the #9 again. You've been an out-and-out champion, and the heart and soul of this club for 15 years. Thank you!

I tip my hat to you, sir...

To David Neitz... A True MFC Legend & Champion

What a class act....knows we are struggling at the minute, and puts the club before himself!

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...5012432,00.html

What an absolute superstar. Think there'll be a lot of tears tomorrow