In episode twelve of Inside Melbourne, we have a new co-host! Max Gawn is in to cover for Clint as he heads to the world cup in Russia. Jake Melksham joins us as we discuss his new roles as the leader of the fines committee, we re-cap the win in Alice Springs (2:30), talk about the 2009 super draft (5:50) and reveal the biggest ladies man at the club (12:00). Special guest David Neitz talks about this recent introduction into the AFL Hall of Fame (17:30), his records held at the club (22:00) and his exciting family news (26:00).
MELBOURNE champion David Neitz says he was truly honoured, following his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening.
Neitz, who was among five other inductees in Wayne Johnston, Matthew Scarlett, Terry Wallace, Mel Whinnen and Bernie Naylor, said it was humbling to be part of the esteemed group.
“You certainly don’t go into your footy career with the aspiration that you’re going to be in the AFL Hall of Fame,” he told the Inside Melbourne podcast.
“To sit back on your career and for people outside of the game, and the highest echelons of the game, to think that you’ve made enough of contribution to join that company is very humbling.
“It’s an amazing honour, that’s for sure.”
Regarded as one of Melbourne’s greats, Neitz holds several club records, including the most games played, most goals scored and the longest serving captain.
While the 306-gamer said they’re all special in their own ways, one achievement stands out among the rest.
“It’s a tough environment, AFL footy, so the games played one is probably the one that I’ll cherish the most out of those,” Neitz said.
“The captaincy was a great part of my career also, and an amazing learning and growth experience for me.”
But he said he was waiting, and willing, to part with them.
“Jonesy hasn’t got too many more [games] to go, so I’ve got a voodoo doll out against him,” he joked.
“Jack Viney is a young captain – he’ll take that one.
“Jesse (Hogan) keeps snagging goals. He’s catching up quickly, so hopefully he can knock that one off as well.”
Debuting in round one of the 1993 season, and with his career spanning 16 years, Neitz played among big names of the red and blue.
Todd Viney, Jim Stynes and Rod Grinter were just some that sprung to his mind, when thinking of his first few years at the club.
“We had all these guys I was learning off as a youngster. No doubt that set me up with some good values around training and how to play the game.”
But there was one that Neitz said he feels pretty lucky to have ran out with.
“Gazza (Garry) Lyon was the best, as far as a pure player and leader.”
“He was just sensational. He could do it from anywhere; back, forward and even sneak into the midfield.
“It was magnificent to play alongside Garry.”
Despite playing in a period of opportunity – Neitz was part of the 2000 Grand Final loss to Essendon – the defender-turned-full forward witnessed many “down times”.
These on-field struggles continued following his retirement, but now Neitz is confident in his beloved Demons.
“Over the last couple of years, you can see what the club’s been building towards.”
“Watching last week’s game, you can start to see it all clicking into gear, the type of footy the club wants to play.
“They looked solid. There didn’t look like there were too many guys that were being absolutely outstanding, but as a team, they just played like a well-oiled machine.”
