MELBOURNEcaptain David Neitz has backed teammate Russell Robertson’s bid to ensureDemons coach Neale Daniher stays at the helm of the club next season.

Robertson used his post-match interview following a seven-goalsplurge against the Magpies to give a resounding thumbs up to the prospect ofDaniher being offered another contract.

Speaking at the launch of TEAMelbourne on Tuesday, thesporting alliance of the city’s premier clubs, Neitz was quick to endorseRobertson’s sentiments.

“Obviously Neale’s been fantastic, I hold him in the highestregard,” Neitz said.

“That’s a matter for the club and the coach and everyone tosit down and talk about, but from my point of view, I hope he stays on,absolutely.”

The skipper, who missed much of the second half of the gamedue to a knee injury, says he’s confident that he will have recovered fully forthe club’s round-12 clash with RichmondFriday week.

“I’ll probably find it a bit more [sore] later today but Ithink at this stage the knee should be okay.

“I should be up and playing for the next day.”

The 32-year-old says he was relieved to be able to return tothe field for the final quarter of the Demons’ 13-point victory at the MCG, theclub’s second win of the season, despite having tweaked his medial ligament.

“It was a pretty tight game and I was keen to get out there.

“I knew myself it was pretty safe to get out there and Iwouldn’t do any further damage. We got the result which was great.

“It was really good to get a victory on the big stage. Wehaven’t won too many so it was a class feeling,” Neitz said.

The skipper says that although playing in the finals ismathematically possible, it’s not what’s behind the improved performance.

“I think what’s driving us is to play with a lot of spiritand a lot of energy and pride in our performance.

“Some pretty amazing things would have to happen for us tomake finals but it’s a chance.

“We’ve got the break this week so I think we’ll have a longweekend off.

“I think at this point in time we’re planning to sit downand reassess what our goals are but I think really it’s all focusing on pridein our performance,” he said.

The skipper is pleased that the club is involved in theTEAMelbourne initiative, which boasts NRL club Melbourne Storm, MelbourneTigers NBL franchise, Melbourne Racing Club and Netball Victoria, as its othermembers.

Neitz hopes the alliance will increase his club’s chances ofextra sponsorship and benefits.

“What we’ve been about as a footy club is really promotingthe fact that we are Melbourneand we are a part of the city and this is a huge drive in that,” he said.

“Our name Melbourneis one of our great strengths and this is a great step in using that.”