Sports
AFL Roundup: Viney's Melbourne Future in Doubt, Khamis Re-Signs with Bulldogs, Mills Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Melbourne will not block veteran Jack Viney from seeking a trade to another club if it improves his chances of regular AFL selection, according to an anonymous industry source. The 32-year-old former Demons captain, who signed a contract extension through 2028 two years ago, faces uncertainty under coach Steven King, who guided a rejuvenated Melbourne list to a wildcard finals exit this season. Sources indicate Viney is not guaranteed a spot in the club's best 23.
Viney, a two-time best-and-fairest winner, had attracted interest from North Melbourne two years ago before re-signing with Melbourne, the club that drafted him as a father-son selection in 2012. His father, Melbourne great Todd Viney, remains North Melbourne's general manager of football following the sacking of coach Alastair Clarkson last week. When he re-signed 25 months ago under then-coach Simon Goodwin, Viney declared himself "a Demon for life."
In other news, Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis has committed to the club until 2031, ending speculation about a potential move to Carlton. The 26-year-old signed a five-year deal just days after both clubs' seasons concluded, despite Carlton offering similar terms months earlier. Khamis, who has played 66 games since 2021 including 25 this season, had sought a trade to Carlton last year when he had one season remaining on his contract. The Bulldogs had initially offered a less attractive three-year deal. At Carlton, Khamis would have competed for a key defensive post behind Jacob Weitering and rising star Harry Dean. The Bulldogs are now pursuing Adelaide's Jordon Butts in the trade period to bolster their defence following their elimination final loss.
Meanwhile, Geelong's Mark Blicavs has flagged that Cats players will look to involve struggling forward Jeremy Cameron more heavily against Fremantle in Friday night's semi-final at Optus Stadium. Cameron has gone four straight games without a goal since round 15, the longest goalless stretch of his career, as he manages the lingering effects of a broken arm from last year's grand final and a shoulder injury sustained against the Giants in round 18. Against Carlton, he played on the wing and recorded just nine disposals. Blicavs praised Cameron's versatility and work ethic, saying teammates would prioritise getting him the ball given his damaging kicking, and warned Fremantle that his flexibility to play multiple positions would make him difficult to contain.
Finally, Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills has been confirmed to have ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the club announced Monday. The injury occurred during Sydney's 53-point qualifying final win over Brisbane at the SCG on Saturday. Mills, 29, will consult a knee specialist to determine surgery timing, with rehabilitation already underway. The injury adds to a troubled period for Mills, who missed last year's grand final loss and has faced repeated injury setbacks across his 197-game career. The Swans are already missing five players - Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice - who are serving club-imposed suspensions for behavioural breaches following an incident after their round 23 win over Essendon. Teammate Tom Papley praised Mills' leadership through the recent turmoil, calling him an outstanding captain who deserves premiership success more than anyone.