JACK Viney says he was “absolutely” certain Melbourne would win its first game at the Cattery in 10 years, entering the final term.   

Speaking post-match after Melbourne’s outstanding 24-point win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium, Viney said he had no doubt his side would hang on for its fourth win of the season, after leading by 11 points at three quarter-time.

“Coming off last week, which was such a disappointing [two-point loss against St Kilda] … the communication broke down and guys got confused, so we talked about that and practiced it during the week,” he said.

“This was a similar situation. It was pretty tight game, but our communication was on point and the boys’ focus was so good and that’s what happens – you end up winning.

“It was a really, really good team effort by the boys.”

Viney said the Demons knew it was going to be a big match against the Cats, given it was Corey Enright’s 300^th game for Geelong.

“Coming down to Geelong in front of a sold out crowd, the boys were obviously fired up, due to the circumstances of Corey Enright’s 300^th,” he said.

“It was a big game, but the boys dug in and we beat them at contested ball – and that’s what happens, you end up winning games, so we’re very happy with the win.”  

Viney said Melbourne’s focus for the match was to win the contested possession count, which it did: 160 to 131.

“We want to be a really contested football team in the future and that’s what we’re building our brand on and that’s what we’re building our team on. That’s what we’ve recruited guys to do. That was the game plan,” he said.

“They can go around what they want structurally and put Dunny (Lynden Dunn) one out with Tom Hawkins, but if we win the footy and get it on our terms – we’ll smash them and that’s what we did.

“We played really well and I’m really proud of the boys.”