MELBOURNE captain David Neitz's hopes of a farewell match have been officially dashed, after the injured forward announced his immediate retirement from the game on Monday afternoon.

Neitz, 33, initially confirmed his intentions to hang up his boots at the end of the year after aggravating a neck injury in round five, but remained optimistic he would recover sufficiently to add to his 306 career games this season.

However, the Demons' captain has ruled out a fairytale finish to his career and told media he will not play again the day after his side's 76-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday at AAMI Stadium.  

"It's been an amazing journey at the Melbourne Football Club, but I'm here today to announce my retirement," an emotional Neitz said on Monday at the MCG.

"It's not the fairytale end that I would have liked and hoped and dreamed for, but I've spoken to specialists [about the neck injury] over the past couple of weeks and have taken on a lot of advice.

"The decision has been made quite easily after seeing two neurosurgeons, and one suggesting that I have surgery on a ruptured disc, and the other suggesting I should perhaps not get the surgery and not play football and hope it gets better.

"Either way, either option means I'm not fit to play football this year and therefore, my retirement is being announced today."

He was flanked by coach Dean Bailey, chairman Paul Gardner, general manager football operations Chris Connolly, and chief executive Paul McNamee as he told the world he felt "privileged" to be able to play elite football for as long as he did.

Neitz first pulled on the red and blue strip in 1993, after being recruited by the Demons from their VMFL zone. He played 20 games in his debut year, in which he wore No.38 before switching to the number nine jumper in which he played the remainder of his career.

He was made captain in 2000, holding the position until this year, and was always a popular and well-respected member among the club's playing group.

Last year, Neitz became the first Melbourne player to reach 300 games, and leaves the club as its games and goal-kicking record holder.

He also farewells the game a one-time best and fairest winner (2002), two-time All-Australian (1995, 2002), International Rules representative (1998, 2002), Coleman medallist (2002), and was Melbourne's leading goal-kicker on seven occasions (1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006).

His decision to retire gives the Demons the opportunity to keep talented young rookie Austin Wonaeamirri, who was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star two weeks ago, on their primary list for the rest of the season. 

More to follow.