JACK Viney was the barometer of the Demons’ 64-point victory over Brisbane last Thursday.
In what was a crucial match for the club, the stand-in skipper had 34 disposals, helping Melbourne break a three-game losing streak and rediscover its brand of footy.
“It was a tough game,” Viney told Melbourne Media.
“The club’s been under the pump the last few weeks.
“Obviously on a bit of a losing streak and plenty has happened off the field as well, so the club was under pressure and there was no bigger game than coming up against Brisbane who were top of the ladder.
“One v two, fiercely competitive game and it felt terrific to not only win but win in Melbourne fashion.
But it wasn’t just the result on the scoreboard that the Dees celebrated at the MCG.
There was a major emphasis on recognising the little things that helped set up the victory.
“Hopefully you could see from the TV, or if you were there, how the group fed off that energy,” Viney said.
“Those acts like Christian Salem’s tackle that led to a goal, and you see so many players getting around Salem, not necessarily the goal kicker.
“That energy was really vibrant throughout the whole night.”
Viney mustered 34 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, eight clearances and seven tackles of his own, but he too had some moments that weren’t reflected on the stat sheet.
“I love the physicality of AFL football, it’s what I love most about it,” he said.
“To be able to play a really physical game, an aggressive game, walk off a little bit sore but ultimately pretty fulfilled.
“I felt like the whole team played so physical and aggressive for four quarters really.”
Viney’s performance, and the Demons’ win, came without skipper Max Gawn.
But that challenge allowed others to stand up.
“It’s not something that I necessarily try extra hard for,” Viney said.
“I probably felt a little bit of extra responsibility, I think all the leaders did.
“Obviously Max being such a big figure, we all have to shoulder an extra little bit of responsibility out there, a bit of leadership.
“We all took it upon ourselves to lead in certain areas.
“It was tough not having Max out there but felt like the group really rallied and got back to our brand of football.”
To hear more from Viney, watch the interview below.
