YOUNG leader Jack Viney says he’s not taking any notice of his standing in this year’s AFLCA votes, despite sitting just behind Todd Goldstein (47 votes), Patrick Dangerfield (46), Dan Hannebery (40), Joel Selwood (39) and Rory Sloane (38) in the player of the year leaderboard.

Viney, who is sixth in the AFLCA votes entering round 10, said it was not a driving force in his game.

“I haven’t checked, but all of the boys tell me I’m going all right,” he told Melbourne TV. 

“I’m not too sure [though] where I’m sitting but hopefully I just get out there and get a good win against Port in Alice.

“I think there are plenty of guys who are playing career-best footy like Max Gawn who’s probably up there as well [in the votes]. I think there’s probably some internal banter, but it’s great to see so many great players playing really good football at the moment.”

Viney said it was pleasing to achieve a 63-point win against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG last round, despite not playing to their absolute best.

“The boys are really happy with the game on the weekend. We felt that we didn’t play our best brand of football, but to be able to win by 60 points is a great result when you’re not playing your best football,” he said.

“I really like the midfield at the moment – we’re playing some pretty good football under big Maxy Gawn. [Opposition] teams are probably starting to put a bit more work into us now, which is really good because guys like Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver and James Harmes, they get to come into the midfield and play really strong football.

“We’re starting to get different looks through the midfield as teams are putting more work into us, so it’s a really good dynamic at the moment and I’m really enjoying it.”