Sports

Melbourne's Handling of Jack Viney Exit Draws Scrutiny From Former Teammate

By Fox Footy

Melbourne's decision to include veteran midfielder Jack Viney in their wildcard final, despite planning to soon tell him he could explore his options, has drawn criticism from former teammate Jordan Lewis. The 32-year-old Viney played just one game in 2026 - the wildcard loss to Carlton - after recovering from Achilles, back and toe injuries. According to the Herald Sun, Viney was informed at his exit meeting that he would have limited opportunities in 2027 as coach Steven King and his staff shift focus toward developing younger players. Four-time premiership player Lewis questioned the club's approach on Fox Footy's On the Couch program. "It makes it an interesting decision that he was to play that final game of the year knowing they were going to have that conversation with him," Lewis said. Viney has played 238 games for Melbourne over more than ten years and remains under contract for two more seasons at over $700,000 annually. Reporter Jon Ralph said Melbourne now views Viney as having been surpassed as a midfielder option. "He's on $700,000 a year so they might have to pay some of that deal if he is moved on elsewhere," Ralph said, adding that several of Melbourne's premiership-era players have already departed the club. Ralph suggested Essendon could be a suitable destination for Viney given the club's need for experienced leadership. Lewis, who faced a similar situation during his time at Hawthorn with a year remaining on his contract, backed the idea. "I think he'd be a good pick up," Lewis said. "He's clearly got great leadership, he's made of the right stuff. So a young and emerging midfield group would really benefit from the services of Jack Viney." When co-host Jack Riewoldt questioned whether Essendon represented the ideal fit, Lewis defended his former teammate's value. "I couldn't speak highly enough of Jack Viney and the quality of person," he said. "You probably know what you're going to get in terms of his footballing ability. He's had some injuries along the way which has made it difficult to be out on the park and perform, but in terms of young kids learning from someone who has been there and done that, I couldn't think of a better person in Jack Viney." Should Viney depart, it would free up salary cap room for Melbourne, which is expected to be active in this year's trade period following a seventh-place finish in 2026. The club has reportedly shown interest in Hawthorn's Calsher Dear and North Melbourne's Zane Duursma.