DESPITE being as old as the game itself, Melbourne will produce its first 300-game player tonight when captain David Neitz runs out on to the MCG to tackle arch-enemy Collingwood.

It is one of football's oddities that the oldest club in the AFL will be one of the last to produce a 300-game player. Other than Sydney — even with its inherited history from South Melbourne — every other VFL-originated club has produced at least one player who has passed the game's most coveted milestone.

To underscore the point, Adelaide — established in 1992 — has produced two 300-gamers in Ben Hart and Mark Ricciuto, yesterday's retiree. Geelong, only one year younger than Melbourne, has produced two 300-game players — Ian Nankervis and John "Sam" Newman.

Neitz says it is "bizarre" that he will be the first 300-match Demon.

"We're the oldest club going around and to have to wait this long for someone to reach the 300-game milestone is bizarre, really," Neitz said. "There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears in that time but it should be a good night."

But the 32-year-old feels no extra burden or achievement. "To be able to play 300 games, whether you are first or 50th, is a testament to everyone who is in that club, to be able to keep your body up and running in a pretty competitive environment.

"That I am the first at the Melbourne footy club is a unique thing and it's great, but anyone who gets to the 300 level looking back is pretty proud at what they achieved."

The oddity of Melbourne's lack of members in "that club" might not be lost on Neitz but he has no tangible reason why it has taken the Demons so long.

With a host of stars throughout its history, Melbourne's most beloved son, Robert Flower, came closest until now, playing 272 games in his distinguished career.

"I don't know whether there is a reason or not (for the record taking so long)," offered Neitz at yesterday's news conference called to mark his milestone. "We have had a lot of great players in the history of the AFL — the Barassis, the Flowers, the Lyons, premiership players and multiple premiership players, all these things.

"I don't know why — it's a bit hard to say why Melbourne hasn't been able to do it. I guess it's just not that easy to achieve."

His achievement will be a highlight in an otherwise miserable year for the Demons. As injuries started to mount this season, sidelined by knee and finger problems, Neitz began to doubt that he would reach the 300 mark in 2007.

"It's been a long time — 15 years playing AFL footy is a fantastic achievement, so to be able to get to 300 and be the first player to get to 300, well, it's probably about time."

This year, with Melbourne's unexpected fall down the ladder and the demise of long-time coach Neale Daniher — who appointed him captain in 2000 — Neitz has felt the strain of football. He says this has been his most difficult year in the game.

"This year's been the most emotionally draining, I guess. To have a close association and to have things end how they ended, and a bit of turmoil, with Neale leaving and the player group … and the new process going forward.

"You invest a bit of mental energy into that and then you've got to go out and try and play footy as well. I also had a few injuries along the way. So for a period there, I was quite mentally drained, but at the moment, I'm looking forward to finish off the season strongly."

The honour is another to add to Neitz's growing list of personal achievements. Tonight's clash against the Magpies will be his 169th as captain — a club record and an amazing effort for a man who admits he needed time to "grow into the role".

Neitz started his career in defence — named the All-Australian centre half-back of 1995 — but is ending it as a goalkicking star. He tops the Demons' all-time list of goalkickers and won the Coleman Medal in 2002. He also won a club best and fairest in the same year. The only honour missing from the mantelpiece is an elusive premiership medallion.

Despite the club's fall from grace, Neitz believes a return to the finals in his time — he hopes to continue playing next season, even if without the captaincy — is not beyond the current group.

"I think we've got enough talent in our team to be a finals side. Whether we're a premiership (chance), who knows? When Neale came, we were last on the ladder, and next thing we knew we were playing a preliminary final, so things in this caper can turn around fairly quickly."