IT WOULD be difficult to single out the best game of Jack Viney’s 162-match AFL career.

The hard-at-it midfielder has had 38-disposal outings, inspirational captains' performances, and dominant matches in September.

But Thursday night’s display against Brisbane may have trumped them all.

If there’s one thing Viney loves, it’s when his back is against the wall.

And after three consecutive losses, with Max Gawn on the sidelines, the vice-captain sensed the occasion and led his side back into form.

“He’s an outstanding leader of our footy club and tonight he showed it again,” senior coach Simon Goodwin said post-game.

The Demons ran away with a 64-point victory at the MCG, largely on the back of Viney’s efforts.

Racking up 34 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, eight clearances and seven tackles, the workman-like performance gave the Dees the edge in a top of the table clash.

"He’s been brutal around the contest all year and he’s been in some fantastic form all year,” Goodwin said.

“But tonight, when the spotlight was on our footy club and he was skipper for the first time for the year, he stood up massively and I’m really proud of him.”

The club’s absent skipper, who Viney replaced in style, took to Twitter to review the game succinctly.

Gawn wrote: Jack Viney.

And that was all he needed to say.