Melbourne captain David Neitz confirmed he will retire at the end of this AFL season, but he is determined to play again.

The Demons will put Neitz on their long-term injury list, meaning he will be out for at least eight matches as he tries to overcome a persistent neck injury.

Neitz aggravated the injury early in the second term of Sunday's loss to Carlton and he was forced to sit out the rest of the game.

Speaking on Channel Nine's Footy Classified program, Neitz said he wanted to help the team develop towards the end of the season.

"I want to be seen hopefully, towards the end of the year, to be part of getting this team up and going and playing some good footy and I can leave it in a healthy place," he said.

There had been speculation this season would be Neitz's last and the recurrence of the injury helped make up his mind.

Neitz's injury is another major blow for Melbourne in a luckless 150th season for the club.

The decision to put Neitz on the long-term injury list means he will not return until round 14 at the earliest.

Earlier, the 33-year-old said in a club statement that he was determined to play again.

"It is frustrating, like any injury, but I need to give it as much time as possible, to get it right and give myself a chance to play at a level that I expect of myself," Neitz said.

"I plan to play again when I've recovered."

Neitz had managed only one kick when he was wrapped up in a tackle from Jarrad Waite.

The impact left him in obvious discomfort and Neitz left the field immediately, nursing his arm.

He had struggled with the problem during the off-season and in five rounds so far, the full-forward had only managed three goals.

"David has a problem with the right side of his neck which on Sunday produced referred nerve pain to his shoulder," said Demons football operation manager Ross Monaghan.

"The problem has given him trouble during the pre-season, had improved over time, but had a severe set-back on Sunday."

The Demons are the only team without a win after five rounds.

Neitz became the first Melbourne player to reach 300 senior games last year, but a knee injury restricted him to only 15 games and 26 goals.

Overall he has played 306 matches and kicked 631 goals, also a club record.

Neitz is in his ninth season as captain, another Melbourne record.

While this is a milestone year for the club, it has also been extremely tough so far for the Demons.

They remain in a difficult financial position and they appear headed for their first wooden spoon since 1997.

Neitz and coach Dean Bailey will hold a media conference on Tuesday afternoon at Melbourne's Junction Oval headquarters.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP