Viney's change of heart
Melbourne caretaker Todd Viney is now keen to coach the Demons full-time from next season
MELBOURNE'S caretaker coach Todd Viney has again signalled his intention to apply for the full-time position.
Viney, the club's development coach, took charge of the Demons in the wake of Dean Bailey's sacking following the huge loss to Geelong in round 19.
After starting his senior coaching stint with three losses, Viney recorded his first win when Melbourne beat Gold Coast last weekend.
And he's hoping to make two victories on the trot when the Demons finish off their season against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
"I've really enjoyed the five weeks," Viney said at AAMI Park on Thursday.
"It's been a real challenge and I've enjoyed the responsibility to lead the football department.
"I know we've only had one win, I would've liked to have had a few more, but we're looking to have a crack against Port and make it two wins.
"It's a lot better to be winning than losing."
The Demons' coaching subcommittee is certain to target some big names as it pursues a permanent replacement for Bailey.
Nevertheless, Viney expects to be interviewed in the coming weeks.
"We're keen to get this game out of the way and then I'd be keen to get feedback from the players and the footy club as to how they've seen my role over the last five weeks," he said.
"Then we'll see how we go.
"I think I've had some pretty good communication with the guys. There's been some honest feedback given and I've driven the standards pretty hard.
"I think we've had a clear understanding of what we're supposed to be doing and whether we're doing it or not."
While it has been a season to forget for Melbourne, Viney is urging his players to enjoy being part of the first AFL match at Adelaide Oval.
The match will be a taste of things to come, as Adelaide Oval will host all of the Crows' and Power's home games from 2014.
"It's a chance to be part of history and have a win," Viney said.
"I've been pretty happy with the spirit, with the enthusiasm that we've had over the last four or five weeks that I've been in control.
"I think that's been at an acceptable level and we just need to maintain that.
"We've given the players a bit of a lighter week, so they're in the best possible shape, mentally and physically, to tackle Port this week."
Currently 12th on the ladder, Melbourne will train on Adelaide Oval on Saturday, although Liam Jurrah won’t play.
The star forward has failed to recover from the shoulder and wrist injuries he suffered against the Suns last weekend.
Looking towards next season, Viney is confident Melbourne can climb the ladder.
However, he acknowledges that will only happen if the players work harder.
"We've got outstanding talent," Viney said. "I think we appreciate that a lot of our players have been high draft picks and they've got talent, but we've got to start to throw that away and get better.
"We need to work really hard and respect not just the talent, but what we do with that talent.
"Technically, we've been working on stuff to get better defensively and to win more contested ball and I think we're starting to see small signs of getting better.
"There's still plenty of upside in the whole group."