THE VINEY name is a familiar one for the Melbourne Football Club.
It was made famous by Todd Viney throughout his 233-game career, and Jack Viney has continued the legacy since being drafted as a father-son selection in 2012.
But the Demons’ vice-captain, who has recently signed a five-year contract extension, is now creating his own pathway in the red and blue jumper.
“I have a lot of fond memories of the Melbourne Football Club, but I suppose that’s not where my loyalty comes from,” Viney said on Episode 1 of The Off-Season.
“Supporting the club growing up – I’m a Demon for life in that respect, but it’s more the relationships I’ve built and the hard work I’ve put in with those guys: Simon Goodwin the coach, Max Gawn, Neville Jetta.”
Viney has ran out for the Dees on 135 occasions in his eight-year career to date, seeing the club battle through some difficult times.
And while there’s a lot of improvement still to come, he is confident the man in charge will take this side to where it needs to get to.
“Goody’s helped me tremendously since he’s got to the Football Club,” he said.
“I love working with him and I want to continue to build our relationship as a player/coach because I think if we get everyone on the same page and everyone working together, that’s where real success will come from.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to develop that relationship with him.”
It’s no secret the Demons faithful have been deprived of success for a long period of time, and although Viney had the option to turn his back on the club, he has an unwavering belief in the playing group.
“Coming into Free Agency it was either we stick this out and see this through, or we see what else is happening,” he said.
“I made the commitment that I’m confident that this club is still going in the right direction.
“We’re certainly not there and certainly have a lot of hard work in front of us, and that’s what excited me and that’s what I wanted to be a part of.”
Watch below as Viney opens up about his decision to re-sign with the club and provides an insight into the challenges he faced throughout the 2020 season.
