FATHER/son recruit Jack Viney believes he was worthy of being selected at No.3 in the NAB AFL Draft - if the Demons had to use that pick to claim him.
As it eventuated, Melbourne was able to secure Viney as a bargain selection at No. 26, after both Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast Suns did not bid for him in the father/son meeting held on Monday morning.
But Viney, rated by many as one of the best young players in the country by recruiters and peers, said he believed he was up to the mantle, had the Demons had to part with selection No. 3 for him.
“Personally, I reckon I was worth pick three,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to just putting my foot in the door at the Melbourne footy club.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to get a good crack at it, and I’ll try and make the most out of the opportunity.”
Viney, who received a call from coach Mark Neeld at school to tell him he was officially a Demon, said he would’ve been disappointed, had he not been selected by the red and blue.
“It would’ve motivated me to work harder and hopefully one day make Melbourne regret the decision,” he said.
Neeld said Melbourne was “rapt” to gain Viney, as he fits the type of player the club needs to progress up the ladder.
In terms of the likelihood of Viney playing in round one next year, Neeld said “we see him playing straight away”.
“Jack’s been already part of the place for a year,” he said.
“He’s been training with us all year, so we’re fairly well down the track with the things we need to know about him.
“David Misson has been in control of all of his conditioning and strength work all year.”
Viney said that playing in round one was already his aim.
“I would love to play footy next year for the Melbourne footy club,” he said.
“I’ve still got a long way to go, and a lot of development to do before that happens, but I’ll be putting my best foot forward and trying to have a really good pre-season.”
Viney said he had a professional relationship with his father Todd at the club, but it was back to a father/son relationship at home.
“It’s definitely a unique situation, but we’ve managed it really well.”
Meanwhile, Neeld said the opening day of trade week was footy’s version of speed dating.
“The majority of recruiters play their cards fairly close to their chest,” he said.
Neeld said he had not given up on enticing 2010 Collingwood premiership player Sharrod Wellingham to the Demons.
“It’s day one,” he said.
As it eventuated, Melbourne was able to secure Viney as a bargain selection at No. 26, after both Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast Suns did not bid for him in the father/son meeting held on Monday morning.
But Viney, rated by many as one of the best young players in the country by recruiters and peers, said he believed he was up to the mantle, had the Demons had to part with selection No. 3 for him.
“Personally, I reckon I was worth pick three,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to just putting my foot in the door at the Melbourne footy club.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to get a good crack at it, and I’ll try and make the most out of the opportunity.”
Viney, who received a call from coach Mark Neeld at school to tell him he was officially a Demon, said he would’ve been disappointed, had he not been selected by the red and blue.
“It would’ve motivated me to work harder and hopefully one day make Melbourne regret the decision,” he said.
Neeld said Melbourne was “rapt” to gain Viney, as he fits the type of player the club needs to progress up the ladder.
In terms of the likelihood of Viney playing in round one next year, Neeld said “we see him playing straight away”.
“Jack’s been already part of the place for a year,” he said.
“He’s been training with us all year, so we’re fairly well down the track with the things we need to know about him.
“David Misson has been in control of all of his conditioning and strength work all year.”
Viney said that playing in round one was already his aim.
“I would love to play footy next year for the Melbourne footy club,” he said.
“I’ve still got a long way to go, and a lot of development to do before that happens, but I’ll be putting my best foot forward and trying to have a really good pre-season.”
Viney said he had a professional relationship with his father Todd at the club, but it was back to a father/son relationship at home.
“It’s definitely a unique situation, but we’ve managed it really well.”
Meanwhile, Neeld said the opening day of trade week was footy’s version of speed dating.
“The majority of recruiters play their cards fairly close to their chest,” he said.
Neeld said he had not given up on enticing 2010 Collingwood premiership player Sharrod Wellingham to the Demons.
“It’s day one,” he said.
