JACK Viney says he has great admiration for Geelong skipper Joel Selwood after running with him in Melbourne’s 24-point win over the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.
Viney, speaking at AAMI Park on Monday, said it was fantastic opportunity to play on one of the greats of the modern era.
“He’s really physically demanding and he’s a terrific player and he works really hard, so I was knackered at the end of the game,” he said.
“Certainly physically and under packs – and we’re both competitive players – it got physical at times.
“It was a really great match-up and I learned a lot from playing on him. I respect him a lot as a player … and learn how he goes about his football.”
Viney, who had 28 disposals and played an outstanding match on Selwood (17 possessions), said he was happy with his performance and felt he contributed in the win.
In regards to the on field chatter between the two – particularly when Viney was running with Selwood towards the interchange, as the Geelong star went off under the blood rule – the young Demon said the banter was all part of the game.
“We were just having a bit of a chat,” he said.
“It was a pretty big occasion and I just asked why he was bleeding so much.
“That was about it though.”
Meanwhile, Viney praised the performance of ruck duo Max Gawn and Jake Spencer, who played important roles in Melbourne’s win.
“They played terrific games, both of them,” he said.
Viney said with a smile that Gawn “had a bit of wobble about him” after his best AFL match.
“He’s a pretty confident guy, but that’ll do wonders for his confidence,” he said.
“He’s going to be a terrific player for this footy club and hopefully that sets him in the right direction.”