JACK Viney says Melbourne learned plenty from its encounter against Hawthorn earlier in the year and will be eager to take advantage this time around, when the two sides meet on Saturday at the MCG.

Melbourne lost to Hawthorn by just 18 points in round 11 and Viney said he was “really excited” to see how the red and blue has progressed against the Hawks. 

“We got pretty close to them the last time we played them,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Hawthorn’s experience in a tight-pressured situation got them over the line, but we certainly played a good game that day, so we’re certainly looking to bring the same level of intensity.

“Hopefully we’ve learned from our mistakes the last time we played them and hopefully that will result in a win.”

Viney, who is set to play his 67^th AFL match this round, said it had been another year of developing his game – his fourth AFL season.

“I think it’s been another learning year for myself. I’ve played some good football and some not so good football, so I just feel like I’m still learning every year,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying it and feel like there is a lot to get out of the next four weeks, so I’m really just trying to recover really well. The body does start pulling up a little bit more and you start getting a few more niggles towards the end of the season.

“I’m trying to keep my body as fit as possible and I just want to finish off the next four games as strong as possible and end up having a pretty good season.”

With four home and away matches remaining this season, the 22-year-old said he simply wanted “to play good football and see the club get some really good wins”.

“I know in previous years we’ve tended to slip a little bit performance wise, so if we can finish the year off really strong and play some good football – that’ll be a terrific win for the football club.

“I’d be really happy to see that and that’s my goal.

“I just want to try and get us playing the best football possible in the next four weeks.”

And although coach Paul Roos has just four more matches at the helm – before Simon Goodwin takes over at the end of the season – Viney said the weekly focus hadn’t allowed much time to ponder the transition.

“I haven’t really thought about that a whole heap,” he said.

“The week to week grind of football keeps your mind pretty focused for short spaces, so I take it week by week.

“It’s not something I’ll really reflect on until the season is done, but I’m looking forward to seeing that transition come to life. It’ll be an interesting and exciting pre-season with a new coach.”