General manager of list management Tim Harrington said the Demons were “absolutely thrilled” to claim Viney - a father/son pick - with selection No.26 in the November NAB AFL Draft.
“On the day, yes, we rated Jack at that pick at least. And there are other clubs who rated him there or higher as well,” he said.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that he’s gone out to the second round. We’re really pleased.
“We’ve had Jack in our system for the last 12 months, but not knowing whether he’s going to be your player or not, because of the way the bidding system works was always [tough]. Now that we’ve got him - we’re really pleased.”
And Harrington said Viney was a genuine chance to debut in round one, 2013.
“The program this year was about Jack getting prepared to play in round one next year, so we think that’s a real possibility,” he said.
Harrington said it was an unenviable position for the Viney family to be placed in, given Todd is heading up Melbourne’s recruiting this season and Jack was one of the most sought after players in the draft.
“It’s been difficult for the Viney household in the last 12 months - particularly in the last month,” he said.
“To have it done now is a real bonus for the club and we think it sets our club up well.”
Meanwhile, Harrington said the Demons are “optimistic” about securing Collingwood premiership forward Chris Dawes.
He also indicated that another 2010 Collingwood premiership player Sharrod Wellingham was not out of the picture, although the midfielder has flagged West Coast Eagles as his preferred destination.
Harrington also dismissed media reports suggesting rival AFL players did not want to come to Melbourne.
“There are players who do want to come to our club, but I can’t say who they are,” he said.
“We’ve got Shannon Byrnes [from Geelong] already.”
Harrington said the future of key defender-turned-forward free agent Jared Rivers remained unclear.
“The club and player have been very open with where it all sits,” he said.
