AN EMOTIONAL David Neitz last night revealed he had questioned his own position in the Melbourne team in the week leading up to Sunday's clash with Carlton, and admitted he might have played his last AFL game.

Neitz said it was a determination not to end his career limping off the MCG before half-time in the manner he did two days ago that had led to his decision to place himself on the long-term injury list rather than retire.

Melbourne's longest-serving captain admitted the club's current situation "stinks" and that he was determined to help Melbourne in any way possible, including at the coaching table during his lay-off.

"A week before, I went to speak to Dean (Bailey) as I was concerned about my form … in my own heart, I had to prove my performance to myself and whether I can keep on going," Neitz said on Channel Nine's Footy Classified. "I'm going to retire, I'm going to retire at the end of the year, but I wanted to give myself every chance to get back.

"My next challenge now is to try and help develop some of these younger guys … and have a positive influence in the footy department and in the club in general."

The luckless Demons revealed yesterday that the veteran had endured an often agonising five months due to a neck injury, which first emerged last December and could end his career.

Neitz visited a specialist in February, who told the full-forward that the problem was "nothing dangerous" but "was just going to hurt a lot".

Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly scoffed at suggestions that Neitz had considered retiring after meeting early yesterday with the club's leadership group in a bid to look for solutions to the team's on-field woes.

Melbourne has failed to win a game this season and sits 16th on the ladder.

"He was never going to retire, that was never even discussed or thought about," Connolly said. "Obviously, this is very disappointing for him and for us but we're hoping he can come back and play by round 14."

Rookie Shane Valenti is expected to be promoted to the Demons' senior list.

Neitz also denied that he had wanted to quit at the end of 2007, adding that he had been frustrated at the end of a disappointing season but had been determined to lead the club in its 150th year.

Neitz also pointed a finger at the Melbourne Cricket Club, questioning the MCC's commitment to Melbourne and saying that the club's relationship with the MCG had been mutually beneficial for both parties and that the Demons had helped build the MCC's brand.

Melbourne described Neitz's injury as "a problem with the right side of his neck, which on Sunday produced referred nerve pain to his shoulder". A similar injury sidelined Wayne Carey in the twilight of his career and according to the Demons, the seriousness of Neitz's condition became apparent after a standard tackle against Carlton early in the second quarter two days ago.

Connolly said Neitz would continue to work with rookie senior coach Dean Bailey.

"I have never come across a player who loved his football club or would do more for his football club than David Neitz," Connolly said. "He is the most passionate club man I think I've ever met."