COLIN Sylvia says that he is “extremely proud” to be recognised with a Melbourne life membership.

The former midfielder/forward played 157 games for Melbourne from 2004-13, before signing as unrestricted free agent with Fremantle at the end of 2013. After a brief and rocky stint with the Dockers, Sylvia retired during the 2015 season.

Looking back early into his career at Melbourne, Sylvia said there were many “great” memories and highlights that came to mind.

“The first game [I played was] a game you never forget – even though I only had the one handball and I played on [North Melbourne great] Glenn Archer,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“The game for Troy Broadbridge is one to remember against Essendon, that was a huge game.

“I suppose the finals in 2006 [as well] – the last time that the club played [in finals].”

A popular player during his time at Melbourne, Sylvia said that the 10 years he spent at the club were a big learning curve.

“I came in as a young boy from the country; probably pretty uneducated – people would probably argue I still am,” he said with a laugh.

“I turned from a boy into a man. It taught me a lot, especially moving from a small country town like Merbein.

“I’ve got many great memories – lots of ups and lots of downs and that’s footy, it’s a bit of rollercoaster ride.”

Acknowledging that while he didn’t always reach his potential, Sylvia said he would still like to be remembered for the “good moments” in his career.

“I feel proud to still achieve what I did,” he said.

“I think there were some really good moments in my career and it would have been nice if there some more of those games, but unfortunately there wasn’t so you’ve just to deal with the reality and keep moving forward.”

Now that his AFL career is over, Sylvia said he is looking forward to staying connected with Melbourne and wants to see the team rise up the ladder.

“I think that’s the great thing about a football club; the people you meet and the relationships you build and the networks,” he said.

“I still want to stay in contact and have a link to the football club. [I don’t want to] shy away and [I want to] be involved in the past players events, come along and be a supporter and cheer in the stands.

For Sylvia, his Melbourne life membership represents a new beginning.

“It’s the closure of my AFL career at the highest level. I’m looking forward to the next phase and chapter in my life,” he said.

“Footy has been such a big part of my life and in my relationships with my family and friends.

“I’m pretty excited about what’s around the corner.”