JACK Viney says it’s been a great opportunity to mix with opposition captains and senior AFL figures during his first AFL captains day at Etihad Stadium.
With only one skipper from each club represented at the event, Viney said he got the nod, given fellow co-captain Nathan Jones had been to several in recent years.
“I’m having fun. I’m really enjoying it. Jonesy handballed it off to me, but we had breaky with the AFL commission and we got to meet a lot of people I hadn’t met before,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I had a good chat with Gill [McLachlan] and the big dogs at the AFL, and we had a chat to the media and then followed by a Toyota function, so it’s been really good.”
Viney said he caught up with good friend, Port Adelaide star Ollie Wines, who was filling in for Power captain Travis Boak, who has a hamstring injury.
“Thankfully I’ve got Ollie Wines here. He’s a close mate of mine and he’s filled in for Boaky ... so it’s been another good opportunity to meet them and get to know them better,” he said.
Now in his second year as co-captain, Viney said he was always learning in the role.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m loving every second of it. I’m continuing to grow every day with it and I love working with Nathan and Goody (Simon Goodwin),” he said.
“I’m just trying to drive the football club and make something special happen. I’m enjoying that added responsibility and I feel like I’m continuing to grow in the role.”
Viney, who has been ruled out for round one, due to a foot injury, said he was aiming to return as soon as possible.
“It’s going well. It’s frustrating for sure, but looking to round two or round three, when I’ll be back playing,” he said.
“Where that it, [at Melbourne or Casey], we haven’t decided that yet, but it’s all going well and progressing nicely.
“Hopefully, not too long after round one, I’ll be back out there.”
As for where he’ll watch Melbourne’s season-opener against Geelong Cats at the MCG on March 25, Viney said he would probably watch it from the coaches’ box.
“I’ll be trying to call all of the shots and calming Brendan McCartney down,” he said with a smile.
