THE MELBOURNE Football Club has announced a streamlined leadership model for the 2018 season.

Nathan Jones and Jack Viney will again lead the Club as dual captains, supported by 2016 All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn and four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis, who will act as vice-captains.

The model was a peer-voted system created in consultation with the coaches and senior management of the Club.


Jordan Lewis, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney and Max Gawn (Photo Matthew Goodrope)

General Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney was adamant in the approach.

“We believe this leadership model is the best model for the Club, as it allows for streamlined communication and accountability,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

In what will be their second consecutive year as co-captains, Mahoney said Jones and Viney epitomise the club’s values and behaviours.

“The growth of Nathan and Jack last year was significant,” he said.

“They formed a strong partnership and worked incredibly well together in leading the Club.”

Jones has been in the captaincy role since 2014, when he co-captained with former player Jack Grimes. He was then the sole skipper in 2015-16, before being joined by Viney in 2017.

The recently-turned-30-year-old finished equal third in Melbourne’s best and fairest last year and averaged 27 disposals a game, despite missing six games with a niggling quad injury.

With 239 games under his belt, his continual improvement is a testament to his character.

Viney also had an impressive season, averaging 23 disposals and five clearances a game. His hard-at-the-footy mentality saw him finish runner-up in the club’s best and fairest, although he too missed four games to injury.

Gawn’s 2017 season was also interrupted by injury, after he was sidelined for nine games with a hamstring.

But Mahoney said it was during this time that the 26-year-old’s positivity really shone through.

“Max’s emergence in this area has been substantial,” he said.

“His influence and care for the entire Club has really made a positive impact and becoming a Vice Captain is great recognition for his hard work in this area.”

Lewis, 31, impressed in his first season at Melbourne, where his experience and insight was evident. 

The midfielder was a significant leader in driving the standards of the team, which will progress throughout 2018.

“Jordan came to the Club with significant leadership experience,” Mahoney said.

“He has been a great mentor and has continued to impart his knowledge onto the group.

“He will play a key role in the leadership for our Club.”

Despite the streamlined approach, the Club will rely on the whole team to embody its values and standards, including members of the 2017 leadership group in Tom McDonald and Bernie Vince.

 “Leadership doesn’t just rest on four individuals,” Mahoney said.

“We have players across the playing list who all play a role in driving behaviours.”