SIMON Goodwin believes midfielder Bernie Vince is having a better season than his best and fairest winning year with Adelaide in 2009.

Goodwin, who played with Vince for five seasons at the Crows, including 2009, said he rated the 29-year-old’s 2015 even better than when he won the Malcolm Blight Medal six years ago.

“I think he is [having a better season than 2009]. I think, from a team perspective, he’s beating his man more often than not,” the senior assistant coach told Dee TV.

“On the weekend, I know he was very disappointed with the way he played [against North Melbourne], so he’ll get another opportunity this week against a good player. They’ve (Western Bulldogs) got a few quality midfielders that rotate heavily, so he’ll have a big job for us this week.

“But he’s definitely playing an outstanding season.”

Goodwin said another ball-winner, tenacious young Demon Jack Viney, had also produced a fine season, despite missing six matches with a fractured fibula from rounds three to eight.

“He’s an exceptional player, Jack. He’s a little terrier in there and I think we’re a few goals better team when he’s in the team – based on the fact that he competes,” he said.

“He wants to win the ball and he wants physical contact, so he’s a player we’re enjoying coaching.”