MELBOURNE captain David Neitz has admitted the decision to remain as the club's skipper for a ninth consecutive season was one that required plenty of consideration.
The 32-year-old said he spent his off-season "asking myself questions" regarding whether he was the right man to take the Demons into this year, following a disappointing 2007.
After "mentally freshening up a bit" and talking to new coach Dean Bailey, Neitz said the decision then came down to whether his battered body would stand up to another arduous year.
"It's a fantastic honour to once again captain the Melbourne footy club, after a pre-season where, I guess, I asked a few questions of myself as to whether I should be the right person to take on the job again," Neitz said, at the announcement of the club's leadership group on Thursday at Junction Oval.
"After taking a bit of time and making sure that my body is right, which was probably one of my main issues towards the end of last year and throughout last year.
"It was affected by a knee, and it was one of the main things I wanted to make sure I was able to overcome and take on the 2008 season and lead where it counts most – out on the footy field."
Neitz said skippering the side in what will be an important year in the club's history as it celebrates its 150th birthday means a great deal to him.
"It's going to be huge for the footy club, lots of events, and we're asking all of our supporters and our past players and all people from all walks of life that have been associated with the Melbourne Football Club to really come back to the club and become united," he said.
"From a playing point of view, to be leading that sort of charge into 2008 and into our 150th year is fantastic.
"It's going to be an exciting year, and I know that the boys are looking forward to being a part of a special year in the footy club's history.
"We're steeped in tradition, and it's something that everyone who puts on the Melbourne jumper is really proud of.
"In the 150th year, it's going to be a huge occasion. To be leading the side, and leading the charge in 2008, is going to be magnificent."
Bailey said he was somewhat relieved his experienced skipper agreed to take on the role again, and believes the two-time All Australian has set himself up for a stellar year.
"He's enormously respected, he's Melbourne through and through, and I know he gave it good and deep thought," he said.
"I'm ecstatic that he's accepted it, and I probably would add to that, his pre-season has been outstanding. I'm putting more pressure on him to play well, and I'm sure he will.
"Everything he's done in life has been to the enth degree, to the extreme, he's a winner, and he can see some success ahead of us."
