FORMER Melbourne captain Brad Green has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

He is expected to play out the season, with a tribute game scheduled for round 22 when the Demons host Adelaide at the MCG.

He told the players of his decision on Wednesday morning.

The 2010 best and fairest winner told a packed press conference, attended by all Melbourne players, that he had been considering his future for some time.

"I know where this group needs to go and for them to move forward I need to step aside and let this emerging talent grow," Green said.

"I never wanted to overstay my welcome and take a young guy's spot."

"I wish nothing more than to see these boys succeed, but it takes hard work and a buy-in from everyone."

Green, 31, was appointed as the club's skipper in 2011, but was replaced this year by Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes.

He won the Demons' best and fairest award in 2010, and also took out their goalkicking award with 55, and last year captained Australia in the International Rules series against Ireland.

Green has played 251 games and kicked 346 goals for the Demons after making his debut in 2000.

He played in the Demons' Grand Final loss to Essendon that season.

Announcing his decision, Green emphasised the need for everyone at the club to accept the direction the club was taking and for the players to make the most of their opportunity.

"Gone are the days when you can be happy just to be on an AFL list. This club has to stand up and buy into where Neeldy wants to take it," he said.

He indicated that Melbourne could look forward to the next era with anticipation.

"I see a bright future," Green said. "I will be the first bloke through the gates to cheer you guys on when you play finals again. Things can turn quickly in this game but you have to have everyone buy in.

"You have to move on in life."

Melbourne president Don McLardy described Green as a true champion of the football club while coach Mark Neeld said it was important to note that Green would leave the game in good form and as a popular figure at the club.

"He has outstanding character and the way he goes about things is very selfless," Neeld said. "He is going to leave a very strong legacy behind and it is one of work ethic and integrity."

Green said he remained confident the club could improve under the new regime, as it had some stability and was on the right track.

"[We're] building a side that is going to take time and that time is probably going to go past me," Green said.

Green and Neeld have been having weekly conversations about the 31-year-old's future and whether he could go around for another season.

Neeld said that while he was aware of the lack of experience in the playing list, it was the right time for Green to retire.

"I think Brad has called it really well," Neeld said.

"He has got some energy left in the tank no doubt, and Brad has come to a decision that it is probably not full enough to get through a 14th year."

Green said while the future remained uncertain, he was looking forward to it.

He confirmed he was retiring and had not yet contemplated the thought he might be able to play on elsewhere.

"I'm a confident person and I'm a happy person and I love life. There is more to life than football sometimes," Green said. "I am looking forward to the future and what it holds."