IT HAS BEEN nine weeks since Jack Viney last took to the field for the Demons, but he is itching to change that this Saturday night.

Melbourne’s vice-captain has finally overcome a lingering toe injury and will be available for selection for his side’s clash with Essendon at the MCG.

“I’m hoping to put my hand up and hopefully get some sort of football in this weekend,” Viney told Seven News on Monday night.

There’s no doubt Viney has been frustrated while sitting on the sidelines, with 2021 – much like the rest of his AFL journey – proving to be a waiting game.

“I’ve been injured in every single season, coming into my ninth year now, so I’ve learned to be patient along my career,” he said.

Since debuting in 2013, Viney has missed 48 matches due to injury, failing to play out an entire season.

And after managing just 53 wins from his 140 games, the 27-year-old is desperate to get back out on the field with the top-of-the-table Dees.

“You see your teammates having so much fun and you obviously want to be winning games of football,” Viney said.

“I haven’t won too many in my career, so you want to make the most of these times.”

The Demons’ starting 22 will be named at 6:20pm on Thursday night, ahead of Round 15.