HEART and soul Demon Jack Viney has claimed his second Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy, taking home the esteemed honour at the club’s AFL Best and Fairest on Friday night.
The 30-year-old was rewarded for his outstanding 2024 campaign, finishing atop of the count with 407 votes.
Captain Max Gawn (405 votes) was a close second, receiving the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy as runner-up, while the versatile Alex Neal-Bullen (402 votes) claimed the Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy for a third-place finish.
Viney’s recognition comes after another impressive year in the red and blue, where his ferocity and never-give-in attitude was on display throughout its entirety. His efforts saw him average 21 disposals, 6.2 tackles and 4.6 clearances a game, with every showing a delight for the Demon faithful.
It caps off a special night for the father-son, who was also awarded Life Membership for over 10 years of service to the red and blue.
AFL Senior Coach Simon Goodwin congratulated Viney, who claimed his first ‘Bluey’ in 2016, on his achievements.
“For Jack to be awarded his second club Best and Fairest is fitting recognition for another outstanding season,” Goodwin said.
“Jack played several different roles for us this year, doing so with the utmost professionalism. He worked incredibly hard on his game, embracing all that was asked of him, and was rewarded with one of his most consistent seasons.
“Jack’s commitment to getting better, each and every day, is what makes him such a special teammate and leader. He is a heart and soul player, who will do anything for his club, and is the epitome of a true Melbourne person.”
Gawn, in his fifth season at the helm, was recognised for another stellar season, having averaged 19.1 disposals, 34 hitouts and five clearances in 2024.
The skipper’s class was a cut above, recognised with a seventh All-Australian blazer – he become the 10th player in AFL history to reach the milestone – and 13 Brownlow votes.
Neal-Bullen was equally as important for the Dees this year, finishing the season as the leading tackle-getter, averaging 5.1 per game.
The 28-year-old showed his courage in the contest across all 23 matches and led from the front on the field, playing whatever role required for the team. He, too, was awarded Life Membership for 10 years of service to the club.
Kysaiah Pickett (369 votes) finished in fourth place, awarded the Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy for another campaign full of exciting moments, with Ed Langdon (352 votes) receiving the Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy to round out the top five.
Langdon was further recognised on the night, receiving the James McDonald Trophy for living the club’s TRUE values.
Jake Melksham was the recipient of the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy for his leadership, while Trent Rivers was presented with a consecutive Coaches Award. Caleb Windsor was recognised for his efforts, taking home the Best Young Player award, while Matthew Jefferson was deemed the Best VFL Player.
Ben Brown claimed the Club Ambassador Award for a fourth year running, in recognition of his incredible work in the community.
Alongside Viney and Neal-Bullen, Melbourne inducted a further nine Life Members, including 2024 retirees in Brown and Angus Brayshaw, as well as Christian Salem for his 10 years of service.
2024 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy – Top 10
Jack Viney – 407 votes
Max Gawn – 405 votes
Alex Neal-Bullen – 402 votes
Kysaiah Pickett – 369 votes
Ed Langdon – 352 votes
Trent Rivers – 350 votes
Judd McVee – 347 votes
Kade Chandler – 337 votes
Steven May – 316 votes
Tom McDonald – 301 votes
Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy – Best VFL Player
Matthew Jefferson
James McDonald Trophy – TRUE player
Ed Langdon
Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy – Club Ambassador Award
Ben Brown
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy – Best Young Player
Caleb Windsor
Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy – Leadership Award
Jake Melksham
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy – Coaches Award
Trent Rivers
