Although Neitz -- placed on the long-term injury list with a neck injury -- will retire at the end of the season, Bartram is adamant the club's games record holder has already made a lasting impression on the club's emerging talent.
"I can't say too much that hasn't already been said about him, but he's a fantastic bloke and an inspirational leader and arguably the greatest player to ever play at the Melbourne Football Club," Bartram told melbournefc.com.au
"So I feel pretty privileged to have put on the boots and to have run out with him -- not only for what he can do on the footy field, but because of the sort of person he is off the field as well.
"He's everyone's mate here and if you ever need anything, he's always the first one to put his hand up and offer a bit of help."
On a personal level, Bartram said Neitz had made a real effort with him since he arrived at the club at the end of 2005.
"He's been really good for me and a lot of the younger boys look to Neita for a lot of support and that's where he steps in and he leads the way and he does set the example for the younger boys," Bartram said.
"He teaches us leadership and about life in general, so he's been fantastic for me and the younger boys and I know Brock McLean looks up to David a lot."
