RIGHT behind the greats of David Neitz, Robert Flower and Jim Stynes, comes a player like Brad Green.

The fact is he is among Melbourne’s top echelon of players in terms of games and goals record holders, which puts him among the club’s elite category. 

After announcing that he will retire at season’s end, Green is on target to finish with 255 matches to his name - only Neitz, Flower, Adem Yze, Stynes and Steven Febey have played more matches for Melbourne.

He is also seventh on Melbourne’s all time goal kicking table.

For a club which was a foundation VFL/AFL member in 1897, this is a mighty achievement.

But Green has achieved plenty in football.

Premierships and Brownlow Medals he does not have, but he has captained Melbourne and his country in International Rules, won the club’s best and fairest (the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy), topped the club’s goal kicking and been an All Australian squad member (although he was unlucky to miss out in 2010).

He was involved in one crack at a grand final, but that turned sour for both team and Green. Essendon, which lost just one match in 2000, smashed Melbourne by 65 points. Green’s day was also over by quarter time, after he suffered a nasty blow to the windpipe. It was just his first season - and t20th game - at the highest level.

Green was a young pup then. But he had already shown plenty in his first year. He was instrumental in helping Melbourne to the grand final, having booted four goals in the second half against Carlton in its memorable qualifying final win.

He often played as an undersized goal kicking target throughout his career. But he was equally adept as a rebounding defender or midfielder. In fact, he played some of his best football on the wing and off half-back.

Green’s versatility, consistency and durability have been highlights of this career. In fact, he has missed just 40 matches in almost 13 completed seasons. Ten of those matches were missed through injury in 2009.

Leadership by actions and courage were other strong Green traits - even if they weren’t acknowledged enough at the time.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that Green is one of football’s - and life’s - genuine good guys. He has constantly put his body on the line and played under duress many times throughout his career.

Yes, he was a silky skilled player, capable of freakish goals, but greater time in the midfield and down back showed another side to his game. He could also take a strong contested grab.

Green regularly put his body on the line and backed into packs, displaying excellent leadership. It was duly noted by the red and blue faithful.

In round one, 2010, Green was knocked out in the first half and carried off on a stretcher. He looked well and truly gone for the day, but he remarkably came out in the second half and kicked two goals.

Interestingly, it was also Jack Trengove’s first AFL match that day. Green showed genuine courage to return to the field, and it wouldn’t have been lost on the young skipper who took over from Green.

From there, Green went on to have his best AFL season in 2010.

He celebrated and displayed his passion and excitement on the field - much to the delight of supporters and usually after some spectacular goals.

In fact, it’s hard to fault Green’s contribution to Melbourne and the game without nitpicking.

He is and always has been a fine character - a trait so valued within a football club these days - and remains a popular figure among the red and blue community.

He will leave as a highly respected figure, who gave his all for the Demons.

And that is to be commended.