RETIRING Demon Brad Green hopes to remain in the AFL industry after he plays his last game for Melbourne against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in round 23.
Green said he would love to turn his attention to coaching in the future.
“Hopefully I’m not lost to the game. I love the game,” he said.
“I’m a passionate man about AFL footy, and I think I’ll be in the industry and I’m certainly passionate about a career in the coaching department - certainly down that pathway.
“I’ve got some business interests as well, so I’ll keep busy.”
The 31 year-old reflected on his outstanding career and said it had been quite some journey after more than 250 matches. He is on target to finish on 255 - the sixth most in the club’s history.
“I remember walking into Junction Oval as a confident, but shy kid, who played finals and a grand final in my first year,” he said.
“Thirteen years later, I haven’t played in another grand final and I haven’t played finals for six years - that hurts.
“It’s what we play for - success - and we as a footy team haven’t had much of it lately.”
Although he has only played one season under first year senior coach Mark Neeld, following Neale Daniher and Dean Bailey, Green said Neeld was also guiding Melbourne in the right direction.
“He’s setting standards that the club needs to meet,” he said.
“I do know one thing about Neeldy, and that is that he’s going to take this club somewhere where it’s going to be great.
“The one thing that these three coaches have taught me is that they have empathy for their players.”
Neeld was full of praise for Green, although he had only coached him for one season.
He said Green brought a professional attitude to every situation and was highly regarded by the players, coaches and club staff.
“The form that Brad’s going to leave the game in - he’s certainly been one of our best performed players over the last few weeks and no doubt that will continue,” Neeld said.
“He has outstanding character and the way that he goes about things is very selfless … he’s going to leave a very strong legacy behind and it’s one of work ethic and integrity.
“It’s also really important to remember Brad Green the player. We all have our own little memories of that. My first game that I coached Brad in … was on the Gold Coast this year. The first thing that he did was go back with the flight of the ball. He’s a very courageous person as well as having all the skill in the world.”
Neeld said it was important that the football fraternity paid tribute to Green over the remaining four matches.
President Don McLardy said Green was a “true champion” of Melbourne.
“I’ll always remember Brad for his great skill and courage,” he said.
Green said he would love to turn his attention to coaching in the future.
“Hopefully I’m not lost to the game. I love the game,” he said.
“I’m a passionate man about AFL footy, and I think I’ll be in the industry and I’m certainly passionate about a career in the coaching department - certainly down that pathway.
“I’ve got some business interests as well, so I’ll keep busy.”
The 31 year-old reflected on his outstanding career and said it had been quite some journey after more than 250 matches. He is on target to finish on 255 - the sixth most in the club’s history.
“I remember walking into Junction Oval as a confident, but shy kid, who played finals and a grand final in my first year,” he said.
“Thirteen years later, I haven’t played in another grand final and I haven’t played finals for six years - that hurts.
“It’s what we play for - success - and we as a footy team haven’t had much of it lately.”
Although he has only played one season under first year senior coach Mark Neeld, following Neale Daniher and Dean Bailey, Green said Neeld was also guiding Melbourne in the right direction.
“He’s setting standards that the club needs to meet,” he said.
“I do know one thing about Neeldy, and that is that he’s going to take this club somewhere where it’s going to be great.
“The one thing that these three coaches have taught me is that they have empathy for their players.”
Neeld was full of praise for Green, although he had only coached him for one season.
He said Green brought a professional attitude to every situation and was highly regarded by the players, coaches and club staff.
“The form that Brad’s going to leave the game in - he’s certainly been one of our best performed players over the last few weeks and no doubt that will continue,” Neeld said.
“He has outstanding character and the way that he goes about things is very selfless … he’s going to leave a very strong legacy behind and it’s one of work ethic and integrity.
“It’s also really important to remember Brad Green the player. We all have our own little memories of that. My first game that I coached Brad in … was on the Gold Coast this year. The first thing that he did was go back with the flight of the ball. He’s a very courageous person as well as having all the skill in the world.”
Neeld said it was important that the football fraternity paid tribute to Green over the remaining four matches.
President Don McLardy said Green was a “true champion” of Melbourne.
“I’ll always remember Brad for his great skill and courage,” he said.
