CO-CAPTAIN Jack Viney says he’s rapt to be back for Friday night’s first elimination final against Geelong Cats at the MCG, after everything went to plan during his rehabilitation from a toe injury.

Speaking to the media at AAMI Park on Thursday morning, Viney said he couldn’t be any more ready to play.

He added that playing his role and having fun was his sole focus upon his return. And he simply wanted to soak up the “buzz and thrill of finals”.

“Yes, I will be playing, [which is] very exciting stuff,” Viney said.

“Rehab’s been a success and [I’m] looking forward to getting out there.

“The rehab process has been really smooth sailing, compared to last time when I had a few hiccups along the way. This time around, it’s been really smooth.”

Viney said he had been “smashed” by development and rehabilitation coach, and former Bulldog and Melbourne star, Daniel Cross and was “well equipped” to play.

“I’m really confident I’ll be able to hit the ground running and I’m fairly confident in my ability,” he said.

“I feel like I’ll be able to get out there with match fitness, and I’ll be trying to find the tempo of the game pretty early, I reckon.

“But once I find it, I think I’ll fit in pretty nicely.”

Viney said he couldn’t wait to tackle the likes of Geelong superstars Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood in a finals match.

“You grow up idolising those players, so to come up against them is pretty special occasion,” he said.

“Our boys love the challenge, absolutely.

“Again, we’ve done it a couple of times this year – come up against them and fallen short – and we’re looking forward to getting out there again and having another fierce battle against them.”

Viney said there had been some “dark times” at the club over the years and it was “super exciting” to be part of finals for the first time in 12 years. 

“Everyone is rapt and pretty excited about the opportunity,” he said.