JACK Viney says he set his sights on coming back as early as possible, when he injured his plantar fascia during Melbourne’s round 15 loss to the Sydney Swans at the MCG.

Speaking after his return against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday – when he notched up 25 disposals and 10 clearances in Melbourne’s 23-point win – Viney said he was grateful to bounce back after remarkably missing just two matches.  

“Fortunately, I was able to do it and tick everything off. I’m just really thankful that I was able to get out there and be part of the win today,” he said.

“You have doubts every single day, but then five minutes later, you’re feeling like you’re on top of the world and can play.

“I was really confident coming in today – I’d done the training and the physios put me through my paces and we made sure nothing was going to go wrong. I was confident in my body and going out and performing.”

Viney said Melbourne’s 10^th victory for the season was a “big win”.  

“We felt like we hadn’t been at our best the last two or three games and the boys got ramped up this week, and to their credit, they came out and performed,” he said.

“Traditionally, we come out of the blocks a little slow at times, but we came out and had a big focus on the contest coming into the game. To the boys’ credit, they were able to come out and really set the scene early.”

Viney also praised Jack Watts, who returned from a hamstring injury to play his 150^th match, and Jack Trengove, who made his first appearance for the year.

“Wattsy racking up 150 games is huge,” he said.

“And [Trengove’s] been phenomenal – his attitude all through the year.

“He’s played great football in the VFL and not got his opportunities, time after time. But he’s stuck at it and now he gets his opportunity – and he played really well – and everyone loves him. It’s terrific to see him back in the team.”