JACK Viney says he definitely won’t play any home and away matches for the rest of the season, with the first week of the finals – if Melbourne makes it – his immediate aim.

Viney has missed the past four matches with a recurring foot injury, with the club now earmarking the co-captain for a September return.

“We’ve made the call that I won’t play any more football in the home and away season this year,” he told Melbourne Media.

“We’ll look to play the first final and that’s a pretty conservative approach.

“It’ll give us a little bit of wriggle room and if I pull up a little sore here or there, I can still be in shape for that first final. So, all going well, for that first final, I’ll be fit and healthy.”

The midfielder said he was making steady progress with his injury.

“It’s going well. The foot is not as good as what I’d like, but it’s coming along,” Viney said.

“I started running yesterday (Monday) on the AlterG [Treadmill] and it’s pulled up well, so it looks like we’re going to start the reloading process, which means two to three weeks of building it up, and getting my fitness back.

“Hopefully we can play some football, if we’re lucky enough to play finals.”

Viney said knowing finals were on the horizon made going through the rehabilitation process worth it.  

“It’s actually not too bad, having that carrot of potentially playing finals. It really motivates me to stay fit and stay healthy, and try to better myself towards the backend of the season,” he said.

“I’m in a good spot mentally, going into rehab this time around.

“It would be a little bit different if there was nothing to play for at the end of the year. There is that opportunity that all going well, the team can play finals. That’s my motivation to do my rehab right.”

Viney said the bye, in between round 23 and the first week of the finals, was an important part of timing his return.

“It will help me. I should be ready to hopefully play the week before that – even if I didn’t have the bye,” he said.

“Having that bye gives me an extra week of topping up fitness and loading my foot again and really getting it pristine for games.”

The 2016 best and fairest winner said the final three weeks presents a massive opportunity for the club.

“You want to be playing strong football towards the backend of the season, if you want to play finals and that opportunity presents itself to us now,” he said.

“I know the boys are really excited about the opportunity the club has.

“It’ll be hard watching from the sidelines, but what can you do? All you can do is cheer them on and try to get the best out of your teammates.”