HIGH up in the MCC Reserve, with spectacular views over the city skyline and down into the MCG arena, there are two special areas, each recognising Melbourne legends of recent times in Robert Flower and David Neitz.

With both sharing the ‘favourite son’ tag, it is most fitting that the Robert Flower and David Neitz Terraces have been named in their honour.  Appropriately opened on the Queen’s Birthday, the two Terraces were finally acquainted with their rather thrilled namesakes in a dual opening ceremony.

‘I’m very excited about it’, says Neitz with a grin.  ‘I never ever even contemplated or dreamed of such a thing when I first came to the Club back in 1990.’  It is even more special that both Terraces are part of the MCC, located in the inner sanctum of the ground that both hold so dear.  ‘I’m just blown away’, says Neitz.  ‘It’s the most iconic part of the MCG, and little D Neitz is being recognised.’  While such recognition has been a possibility for a while, Neitz is still overwhelmed, and delighted to effectively be overseeing ‘my own patch of the MCG’.  He is also pleased to be sharing the honour with Robert Flower  - ‘the most amazing name of the Club, and I look forward to having a beer with him!’

Flower echoes many of Neitz’s sentiments, while offering a laughing assurance that - should he ever be locked out of his own Terrace - Neitz is quite welcome to walk a short distance to join him at the Robert Flower Terrace.  As with Neitz, Flower is grateful to the MCC for the honour, saying ‘it’s always an honour to be recognised - and it’s good to be able to visit the Terrace - it’s a great outdoor area.’  Being recognised alongside Neitz only adds to the charm, as both have shared great things in their playing careers, from captaincy to games records and an ongoing connection to the Club.  Of Neitz, Flower laughs, ‘He is the man, when you think of everything he’s achieved!’

Such achievements, of course, gain an extra edge when accompanied by the Queen’s Birthday blockbuster against ancient rivals Collingwood, and both are in awe of being part of this day.  ‘It’s great timing to be part of the whole Queen’s Birthday tradition, and it’s great timing.  We’re here for the biggest game of the home and away season for Melbourne - and we’ve been invited into the MCC Committee Room, which is something to cherish’, says Neitz with enthusiasm.  Flower concurs, saying, ‘Queen’s Birthday, with the biggest crowd in modern times - every time, you hope it’s a blockbuster, and there are so many fantastic people involved.  It’s one of the special times of the season.’

This year, of course, Queen’s Birthday is even more special.  With the opening of the David Neitz and Robert Flower Terraces, another layer of red and blue belonging has been added to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.