MELBOURNE games record holder David Neitz has lauded the career of another recently retired club great in Brad Green.

Speaking at Melbourne’s best and fairest dinner at Crown on Thursday night, Neitz said Green got the absolute utmost out of his 254-game career.

“He was absolutely dedicated to his team and to his teammates,” he said during a tribute to Green.

“He’s been phenomenal in the way that he’s gone about getting himself to the level week in week out, year in year out.

“He’s had a really distinguished career that we should be proud of.”

Green, who also addressed the 800-plus guests, reflected on his outstanding career, but said it was disappointing to start his career in a Grand Final year and finish towards the bottom of the ladder, in 16th place.

“I was fortunate enough to play in a Grand Final, but we didn’t win it - that’s the ultimate, you try and win one,” he said.

“I haven’t played in finals since ’06 and that’s the disappointing thing - that I’m finishing footy where I wanted to be starting - I wanted to be ending on a Grand Final.

“But that’s footy and that’s life.”

Meanwhile, 2012 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy winner Nathan Jones said Green was a “legend” of the club.

“The leadership and guidance and direction that you’ve given me - I can’t thank you enough,” he said.