AFTER missing seven games with a toe injury, Jack Viney’s return to footy was seamless on Saturday night.

The Demons’ vice-captain racked up 17 disposals in his side’s win over Essendon, overcoming the frustration of missing 48 games in his nine years of footy.

“I didn’t grow up wanting to do spin bikes and rowing ergos for a profession, and I’ve spent a lot of time on those off-leg machines,” Viney told Melbourne Media post-game.

“Being out on the MCG hitting bodies, that’s what I wanted to do growing up as a kid, so it feels good to be back out there.”

While the 27-year-old had an impact on the offensive end, it was his presence without the ball in hand which made him so valuable at the MCG.

Viney had a game-high 34 pressure acts and showed no signs of being restricted by his body – a result of the patience shown during his rehab.

“Obviously I want to be fit all times of the year, but just with how my foot pulled up from last season and having surgery etc, it set me back,” he said.

“The opportunity for the backend of the season, because the team was doing so well, let’s get it right and make sure I come back and build into some good football.”

To hear more from Viney, watch the interview below.