Jack Viney

{{Infobox AFL biography

| name = Jack Viney

| image = Jack Viney 2017.2.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Viney playing for Melbourne in 2017

| fullname = Jack Viney

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|04|13|df=y}}

| birth_place = Melbourne, Victoria

| death_date =

| death_place =

| originalteam = Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup)/Casey Scorpions(VFL)

| draftpick = No. 26 (F/S), 2012 national draft

| debutdate = Round 1, 2013

| debutteam = {{AFL Mel}}

| debutopponent = {{AFL PA}}

| debutstadium = the MCG

| height = 179 cm

| weight = 80 kg

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub = {{AFL Mel}}

| guernsey = 7

| years1 = 2013–

| club1 = {{AFL Mel}}

| games_goals1 = 225 (67)

| statsend = round 6, 2025

| careerhighlights =

AFL premiership player: 2021
Melbourne co-captain: 2017–2019
2x Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy: 2016, 2024
Neale Daniher Trophy: 2023
Frank 'Checker' Hughes Medal: 2023
22under22 team: 2016
AFL Rising Star nominee: 2013

}}

Jack Viney (born 13 April 1994) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A midfielder, {{convert|1.78|m|ftin}} tall and weighing {{convert|86|kg}}, Viney is capable of contributing as both an inside and outside midfielder. He played top-level football at a young age playing in the first XVIII at Prince Alfred College at fifteen and was a bottom-aged player in the TAC Cup for the Oakleigh Chargers. His father, Todd Viney, is a former Melbourne captain and Jack followed in his footsteps when he was drafted by Melbourne with the twenty-sixth pick in the 2012 AFL draft under the father–son rule. He made his debut in 2013, receiving a nomination for the AFL Rising Star and was awarded the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy. He was named as Melbourne's best and fairest player in 2016, winning the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy. In 2017, he became Melbourne co-captain alongside Nathan Jones, captaining the club for three seasons.

Early life

Viney was born to Todd and Meg Viney{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/afl-mums-meg-viney-maree-selwood-and-geraldine-hannebery-spill-the-beans-on-how-they-cope-being-mothers-to-afl-players/story-fni0fiyv-1226728694924|title=AFL mum's Meg Viney, Maree Selwood and Geraldine Hannebery spill the beans on how they cope being mothers to AFL players|last=Byrne|first=Anna|date=28 September 2013|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} in Melbourne, Victoria;{{cite web|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/jack-viney/|title=Jack Viney—Player Profile|work=AFLplayers.com.au|publisher=AFL Players Association|access-date=23 October 2015}} his father played 233 games with the Melbourne Football Club and is a former captain, two-time Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medallist, Melbourne Hall of Fame member, a part of Melbourne's Team of the Century{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/viney-back-at-demons/story-e6frf9jf-1225937743440|title=Todd Viney return has a bonus|last=Matthews|first=Bruce|date=13 October 2010|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} and a one-time caretaker coach for five matches in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons-caretaker-coach-todd-viney-says-he-is-not-a-candidate-for-the-dees-top-job-in-2012/news-story/8074177ad581d5e4255d3d2108e9fa58|title=Melbourne Demons caretaker coach Todd Viney says he is not a candidate for the Dees' top job in 2012|publisher=Fox Sports Australia|date=3 August 2011|accessdate=30 August 2021}} He played his junior football with the Ashburton Redbacks and would often play in the grade above his age group due to being "too rough".{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-viney-commits-to-demons/story-e6frf9jf-1225959360745|title=Melbourne secures Jack Viney with five-year contract|last=Sheahan|first=Mike|date=23 November 2010|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/ash-thursday-20111120-1npfc.html|title=Ash Thursday|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=21 November 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} He played alongside future AFL stars Toby Greene and Tom Mitchell.{{Cite web |date=2017-05-10 |title=An unlikely pair |url=https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/467525/an-unlikely-pair |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=hawthornfc.com.au |language=en}} He also spent part of his childhood in Echuca, where he befriended future Brownlow Medal winner Ollie Wines.{{Cite web |last=Ashdown |first=Tim |date=2016-05-27 |title=Ollie Wines braces for clash with schoolboy rival and good mate Jack Viney |url=https://www.fiveaa.com.au/show/ollie-wines-braces-for-clash-with-schoolboy-rival-and-good-mate-jack-viney/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=FIVEaa |language=en-US}}

Viney moved to Adelaide, South Australia in 2009 after his father became an assistant coach at the Adelaide Football Club and he attended Prince Alfred College for years nine and ten. In his first year at Prince Alfred, he was invited to train with the first XVIII football team and he became only the second year-nine student to play with the first XVIII in the school's 147-year history.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jack-viney-is-proving-a-dominant-figure-in-the-heart-of-the-melbourne-midfield/news-story/2d63a23824990db1e03abd3cffd8890b|title=Jack Viney is proving a dominant figure in the heart of the Melbourne midfield|last=Baldwin|first=Adam|date=25 March 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}} He received state-honours in the 2010 under-16 championships by representing South Australia and captained the side to the winning title, he was also named the state's most valuable player.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons-say-they-will-sign-jack-viney-in-2012-afl-draft-via-father-son-rule/story-e6frf33l-1225959423532|title=Melbourne Demons say they will sign Jack Viney in 2012 AFL draft via father-son rule|author=Australian Associated Press|author-link=Australian Associated Press|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} Through the AFL elite talent junior pathways, he received a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as part of the AIS-AFL Academy in the 2010 intake{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2010-08-12/viney-named-in-aisafl-academy-intake-|title=Viney named in AIS-AFL Academy intake|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=12 August 2010|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} and travelled to Europe in April 2011 as part of 30-man squad.{{cite news|url=http://ext.gvmwcms.aflmedia.net/afl/news/2010-11-09/aisafl-academy-to-make-european-trip-in-2011|title=AIS-AFL Academy to make European trip in 2011|last=Witham|first=Jennifer|date=9 November 2010|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In November 2010, he signed a five-year contract with Melbourne ensuring he would be drafted by them in the 2012 AFL draft under the father–son rule.

{{Quote box

| quote = At his age, not many boys have that real aggressive streak and that unwavering competitive level.

| source = Greg Doyle, Oakleigh Chargers coach{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-could-seek-permission-for-jack-viney-to-play-vfl/story-e6frf9jf-1226124046027|title=Melbourne could seek permission for Jack Viney to play VFL|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=29 August 2011|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}}

| width = 30%

| align = left

}}

Returning to the city of Melbourne in 2011, Viney attended Carey Baptist Grammar School and played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup as a bottom-aged player. He represented Victoria Metro in the 2011 AFL Under 18 Championships and despite being one of the youngest players, he was lauded for his leadership on and off the field.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-vineys-the-lad-for-the-dees/story-e6frf9jf-1226099330443|title=Jack Viney's the lad for the Dees|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=22 July 2011|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} He played eight matches for Oakleigh in 2011 including the losing grand final to the Sandringham Dragons, in which he was named best-on-ground;{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dragons-charge-to-tac-cup-victory-20110925-1krrj.html|title=Dragons charge to TAC Cup victory|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=26 September 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} his coach, Greg Doyle, praised Viney for his physicality and readiness to play senior football at seventeen years of age. He was named in the level two squad for the 2011 intake in the AIS-AFL Academy,{{cite news|url=http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=47&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=439&cHash=317b1bb94ee89ea07f01c80291bf539f|title=2011 AIS-AFL Academy expands|date=18 August 2011|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=19 November 2017}} and was commended for his performance in the Academy match against the {{VFL Box}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2012, after recording sixteen disposals, including ten contested, six tackles and six clearances.{{cite news|url=http://ext.gvmwcms.aflmedia.net/afl/news/2012-03-29/academy-impress-against-hawks|title=Academy impress against Hawks|last=Phelan|first=Jason|date=29 March 2012|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Viney received permission to play in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 2012 for Melbourne's affiliate team, the Casey Scorpions; he suffered a broken jaw in two places during his debut match after a high-bump from then-{{AFL Gee}} player, David Wojcinski; in a separate incident, Wojcinski was charged with striking Viney, which resulted in an overall four-match suspension.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/wojcinski-hit-by-doubled-trouble/story-fnca0u4y-1226350249497|title=David Wojcinski hit by doubled trouble|last=Reilly|first=Stephen|date=9 May 2012|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} Viney received mid-year state honours and represented Victoria Metro in the 2012 AFL Under 18 Championships, he missed the start of the championships through his jaw injury and played in the final two rounds of the championships,{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-bound-jack-viney-ready-to-rock-for-vic-metro/story-fndv8pdq-1226410247193|title=Melbourne-bound Jack Viney ready to rock for Vic Metro|date=27 June 2012|work=News.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} including the winning final against Western Australia.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2012-07-04/vics-victorious|title=Vics victorious|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=4 July 2012|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}}

AFL career

=2013 season=

{{Quote box

| quote = He's a tenacious, fearless, hard player...He's going to bring a lot of people a lot of joy at this footy club

| source = Neil Craig, former {{AFL Mel}} caretaker coach{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-match-report/viney-shines-in-gloom-20130818-2s4q6.html|title=Viney shines in gloom|last=Hanlon|first=Peter|date=18 August 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=8 November 2016}}

| width = 30%

| align = right

}}

Viney was rated by recruiters as the "sixth to eight best player" heading into the 2012 AFL draft,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/jack-viney-says-melbourne-will-only-get-one-chance-to-secure-him-and-he-will-make-them-pay-if-they-dont/story-e6frf7jo-1226487884412|title=Jack Viney says Melbourne will only get one chance to secure him and, if not, he will make them pay|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=4 October 2012|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} however, under the father–son bidding system, speculation grew that the Gold Coast Football Club would bid their first round pick in the draft, the second overall, forcing {{AFL Mel}} to match the bid with the third overall selection.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/viney-concedes-dees-not-a-definite-20120629-21899.html|title=Viney concedes Dees not a definite|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=30 June 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/suns-to-push-demons-on-jack-viney/story-fnelctok-1226486883026|title=Suns to push Demons on Jack Viney|date=3 October 2012|work=News.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} Gold Coast ultimately chose not to bid pick two on Viney,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/jack-viney-officially-a-melbourne-player-at-a-bargain-price/story-e6frf7jo-1226490465067|title=Melbourne will secure boom father-son prospect Jack Viney for the bargain price of pick No.26|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=8 October 2012|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} and after the Port Adelaide Football Club bid their first round selection on him,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/trade-period-latest-viney-goes-to-dees-with-second-round-pick-20121007-277xq.html|title=Trade period latest: Viney goes to Dees with second round pick|last=Spits|first=Scott|date=8 October 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} Melbourne matched the bid with their second round pick, and recruited him with their second selection and twenty-sixth overall in the 2012 national draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/jack-viney-signing-makes-demons-year/story-fnca0u4y-1226490956412|title=Jack Viney signing makes Demons' year|last=Walsh|first=Courtney|date=9 October 2012|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} Viney made his debut in the first round of 2013 against Port Adelaide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-03-28/toumpas-viney-and-jones-to-debut|title=Toumpas, Viney and Jones to debut|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=28 March 2013|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} despite losing the match by seventy-nine points and the team being labelled as "embarrassing", Viney was praised by the media for his performance in the match and his leadership on and off the field.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-03-31/melb-v-port-mark-neeld|title=Viney leads Dees on and off the field after first game|last=Reed|first=Jacqui|date=31 March 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/lyon-slams-dees-lack-of-courage-20130401-2h31v.html|title=Lyon slams Dees' lack of courage|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=2 April 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/viney-one-afls-star-sons-following-fathers/1817915/|title=Viney one of AFL's star sons following in fathers footsteps|last=Mallinder|first=Terry|date=5 April 2012|work=The Toowoomba Chronicle|publisher=APN News & Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} After the ninety-five point loss against {{AFL Fre}} in round twenty-one at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he received the round nomination for the Rising Star where he recorded twenty-eight disposals, five tackles, five marks, four clearances and a goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-midfielder-jack-viney-wins-rising-star-award-nomination-for-round-21/story-fni5f91a-1226700402598|title=Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney wins Rising Star Award nomination for Round 21|last=Timms|first=Dayle|date=20 August 2013|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=8 November 2016}} He was praised by then-Melbourne caretaker coach, Neil Craig, for his competitive mindset and Craig drew comparisons between Viney's mindset and 2016 Brownlow Medallist, Patrick Dangerfield's.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-20/demon-dynamo|title=Demon dynamo: Viney a rising star nominee|last=Browne|first=Ashley|date=20 August 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=20 August 2013}} He managed thirteen matches in his debut season after missing eight matches in the middle of the season through a toe injury.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-20/setback-for-viney|title=Dees setback: Viney in moonboot|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=20 May 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} His season was rewarded with the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy as Melbourne's best young player and he finished fourteenth overall in the best and fairest count.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-09-05/viney-wins-best-young-player-award|title=Viney wins best young player award|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=5 September 2013|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}}

=2014 season=

Viney had a delayed start to the 2014 season after having an injury-interrupted pre-season due to foot and hip issues.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-13/viney-named-for-vfl-hitout|title=Viney named for VFL hit-out|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=13 March 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} He played his first match for the season in the thirty-two point loss against {{AFL GWS}} in round three at Spotless Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-04/round-three-teams|title=Blues axe McLean, Trengove out for Demons|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=4 April 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} He received widespread news coverage during the season after an incident in round seven where he collided with Adelaide player, Tom Lynch, resulting in a broken jaw to Lynch.{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-05-03/triple-head-clash-sees-two-subbed|title=Triple head clash sees two subbed|date=3 May 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} Viney was referred directly to the AFL Tribunal, bypassing the match review panel and the opportunity of an early plea.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-viney-faces-the-tribunal-for-his-bump-on-tom-lynch-but-should-he-be-suspended/story-fni5f22o-1226906534375|title=Jack Viney faces the tribunal for his bump on Tom Lynch but should he be suspended?|last1=Robinson|first1=Mark|last2=Edmund|first2=Sam|date=5 May 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} He was initially suspended for two-weeks with the rationale given by AFL legal counsel, Jeff Gleeson, that he could have "spun out" of the impending collision, rather than brace for contact.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-06/tribunal-finds-viney-guilty|title=Past, present players outraged as Tribunal hits Jack Viney with two-game suspension|last=Scmook|first=Nathan|date=6 May 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=6 May 2014}} The outcome sparked backlash among past and present players and fans,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-jack-viney-bump-controversy-at-a-glance-20140507-zr6ag.html|title=The Jack Viney bump controversy, at a glance|last=Brodie|first=Will|date=7 May 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} including Australian Football Hall of Fame member, Dermott Brereton, who protested he would boycott the Hall of Fame events that year due to the "fundamentally wrong" direction the game was taking.{{cite news|url=http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8840473|title=Backlash over Viney bump ban|last=Forsaith|first=Rob|work=ninemsn.com.au|publisher=Nine Entertainment Co.|access-date=23 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510083222/http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8840473|archive-date=10 May 2014|df=dmy-all}} The AFL chief executive officer at the time, Andrew Demetriou, weighed into the debate by stating Viney was very unlucky to be suspended.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-demons-midfielder-jack-viney-beats-controversial-afl-ban/story-fnca0u4y-1226910919023|title=Melbourne Demons midfielder Jack Viney beats controversial AFL ban|author=Australian Associated Press|author-link=Australian Associated Press|date=8 May 2014|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} Melbourne announced their intention to appeal the ban{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-to-appeal-afl-tribunals-suspension-of-jack-viney/story-fnca0u4y-1226908740010|title=Melbourne to appeal AFL tribunal's suspension of Jack Viney|last=Faulkner|first=Andrew|date=7 May 2014|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} and successfully had the suspension overturned,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/jack-viney-cleared-by-afl-appeals-board-20140508-zr6zf.html|title=Jack Viney cleared by AFL Appeals Board|last=Niall|first=Jake|date=8 May 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/young-gun-jack-viney-free-to-play-after-afl-appeals-board-rules-in-favour-of-melbourne/story-fni5f91a-1226910592979|title=Young gun Jack Viney free to play after AFL Appeals Board rules in favour of Melbourne|last=Windley|first=Matt|date=9 May 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} becoming only the second time an appeal was successful under the 2005–2014 AFL Tribunal system. The AFL released a statement two-weeks after the appeal stating the reason behind the overturned suspension was "because he didn’t bump Adelaide’s Tom Lynch but instead braced for contact."{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-issues-reasons-behind-why-melbourne-midfielder-jack-viney-won-his-appeal-over-bump-ban/story-fni5f91a-1226928617138|title=AFL issues reasons behind why Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney won his appeal over bump ban|last=Baker|first=Greg|date=23 May 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} He played twenty matches for the season and finished eleventh in Melbourne's best and fairest count.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-09-04/jones-wins-third-consecutive-bluey|title=Jones wins third consecutive 'Bluey'|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=4 September 2014|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}

=2015 season=

File:Jack Viney 2015.JPG

{{Quote box

| quote = He's a good little player...tough to play on. To be honest he's a real competitor. I've played with a few of them and he's the sort of player you want to play with.

| source = Joel Selwood, {{AFL Gee}} captain

| width = 30%

| align = right

}}

Viney played in the first two matches for 2015 before fracturing his fibula in the round two loss to Greater Western Sydney at StarTrack Oval.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-04-16/bad-break-for-viney|title=Bad break for Viney: Demon sidelined for at least a month|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=16 April 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} He returned in round nine against Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-viney-could-be-rushed-back-this-week-for-melbourne-against-port-adelaide/story-fni5f91a-1227372742714|title=Jack Viney could be rushed back this week for Melbourne against Port Adelaide|last=Matthews|first=Bruce|date=28 May 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=23 October 2015}} and played the remainder of the season. The season saw him move into a loose-tagging role and he was lauded for restricting the impact of Gary Ablett in the round one win against Gold Coast,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-04-04/roos-rapt-with-vineys-job-on-gaz|title=Roos rapt with Viney's shutdown job on Gaz|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=4 April 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} and Joel Selwood in the round twelve win against {{AFL Gee}},{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-22/monday-analysis-viney-v-selwood|title=Monday analysis: Viney v Selwood|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=22 June 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} with the latter drawing praise from Gerard Healy who labelled Viney as the "new Brett Kirk".{{cite news|url=http://www.3aw.com.au/news/former-melbourne-star-gerard-healy-brands-jack-viney-the-new-brett-kirk-20150622-ghurx8.html|title=Former Melbourne star Gerard Healy brands Jack Viney the 'new Brett Kirk'|last=Bourke|first=Jake|date=22 June 2015|work=3AW|access-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916115431/http://www.3aw.com.au/news/former-melbourne-star-gerard-healy-brands-jack-viney-the-new-brett-kirk-20150622-ghurx8.html|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=dead}} His season was rewarded with a second-place finish in the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal, finishing one vote behind the winner, Bernie Vince, despite playing six less matches,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/bernie-vince-into-history-as-dees-best-20150911-gjkvk5.html|title=Bernie Vince into history as Dees' best|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=12 September 2015|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=23 October 2015}} he also received the Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (coaches award) and James McDonald Trophy (heart and spirit award){{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-09-11/viney-reaps-reward-for-outstanding-season|title=Viney reaps reward for outstanding season|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=11 September 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=23 October 2015}} and it was labelled as his breakout season by Fox Sports Australia journalist, Adam Baldwin.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afls-youngsters-set-to-graduate-from-good-to-gun-after-50-games/news-story/4afc10a23c4c141148413eb26d272105|title=AFL's youngsters set to graduate from good to gun after 50 games|last=Matthews|first=Bruce|date=2 February 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}}

=2016 season=

Heading into the 2016 season, Viney was added into Melbourne's leadership group{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-announces-entire-2015-leadership-group-except-for-skipper-nathan-jones-has-changed/news-story/e60d58ce13077a80f7f945b84f3c1ca3|title=Melbourne announces entire 2015 leadership group, except for skipper Nathan Jones, has changed|last=Morris|first=Tom|date=10 March 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}} and he stated his leadership style was to "lead by actions".{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-03-09/honoured-to-be-leader-viney|title=Honoured to be leader: Viney|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 March 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} In the opening round match against Greater Western Sydney, he played his fiftieth AFL match, in which he was named the best player on the ground by then-Melbourne coach Paul Roos, AFL Media and the Herald Sun, and recorded thirty-two disposals (fourteen contested), six tackles, five marks and four clearances in a two-point win.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-27/supertough-viney-sets-the-standard-as-demons-eye-bright-future|title=Viney sets standard as Dees eye bright future|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=27 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-26/demons-stun-with-final-term-burst-to-cut-down-greater-western-sydney|title=Hogan leads late charge as Dees cut down Giants|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=26 March 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2016-melbourne-defeats-gws-giants-by-2-points-at-the-mcg-in-round-1/news-story/a45e6a67a41642371750decdb6bc3e01|title=AFL 2016: Melbourne defeats GWS Giants by 2 points at the MCG in Round 1|last=McFarlane|first=Glenn|date=26 March 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}} His first half of the season saw him in strong form, whereby he was placed fourth in the AFL Coaches Association champion player of the year leader board after round eight,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-17/aflca-votes-round-eight|title=AFLCA votes, round eight: Star Cat goes clear, Blue into top 10|date=17 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} he had featured in the AFL Media's team of the week in three out of four weeks between rounds four and seven,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-19/team-of-the-week-round-four|title=Team of the week: round four|last=Curley|first=Adam|date=19 April 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-27/team-of-the-week-round-five|title=Team of the week: round five|last=Curley|first=Adam|date=27 April 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-10/team-of-the-week-round-seven|title=Team of the week: round seven|last=Curley|first=Adam|date=10 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} he had one of the largest rises in the league in the official AFL player ratings,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-04/player-ratings-the-risers-and-the-fallers|title=2016's form guide: The risers and the fallers|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=4 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} he was named in The Age journalist Rohan Connolly's unofficial mid year All-Australian team,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-2016-rohan-connollys-midseason-allaustralian-team-20160607-gpdx6r.html|title=AFL 2016: Rohan Connolly's mid-season All-Australian team|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=8 June 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=16 September 2016}} and was highly praised within the industry for his form.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-04-20/goodwin-lauds-vineys-progress|title=Goodwin lauds Viney's progress|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=20 April 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/jack-viney-and-jesse-hogan-form-backbone-of-melbournes-bid-to-build-a-premiership-list/news-story/39581fd0f456c866692eb5300cdf3827|title=Jack Viney and Jesse Hogan form backbone of Melbourne's bid to build a premiership list|last=Ralph|first=Jon|date=3 May 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-05-04/im-not-surprised-by-vineys-form-roos|title=I'm not surprised by Viney's form: Roos|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=4 May 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-10/viney-remains-a-demon-until-2020|title=Big new deal for in-form Demon Jack Viney|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=10 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jack-viney-signs-fouryear-contract-will-remain-at-melbourne-until-at-least-2020-afl-season/news-story/c52083191f775cd4eeaf92f38a885b00|title=Jack Viney signs three-year extension, will remain at Melbourne until at least 2020 AFL season|last1=Waterworthn|first1=Ben|last2=Baldwin|first2=Adam|date=10 May 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/jack-viney-signs-fouryear-contract-with-melbourne-credits-sports-psychologist-for-rapid-improvement/news-story/e6b95313db0ea3ca39558a9d269929be#load-story-comments|title=Jack Viney signs four-year contract with Melbourne, credits sports psychologist for rapid improvement|last=Robinson|first=Mark|date=10 May 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/afl/melbournes-jack-viney-wants-alice-springs-to-become-a-happy-hunting-ground-against-port-adelaide/news-story/0e831787838fd13969f1431f0be58583|title=Melbourne's Jack Viney wants Alice Springs to become a happy hunting ground against Port Adelaide|last=Morris|first=Grey|date=26 May 2016|work=NT News|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}} His performances in the first half of the season saw him sign a contract extension in May, linking him to the club until the end of 2020.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-season-2016-melbournes-jack-viney-signs-a-threeyear-contract-extension-20160510-gorzm5.html|title=AFL season 2016: Melbourne's Jack Viney signs a three-year contract extension|last=Nicholson|first=Larissa|date=11 May 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=16 September 2016}}

In the forty-five point loss in round ten against Port Adelaide at Traeger Park, Viney was suspended for one match for striking Port Adelaide midfielder, Brad Ebert,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-31/mrp-jack-viney-cops-one-match-steven-motlop-in-the-clear|title=MRP: Viney cops one match, Motlop in the clear|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=31 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} and in a separate incident, he fractured a knuckle bone which initially ruled him out for one month.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-30/viney-to-miss-a-month-due-to-hand-surgery|title=Viney to miss a month due to hand surgery|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|date=30 May 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} After missing just the one week, he returned to the team in the forty-six point win against {{AFL Col}} in the annual Queen's Birthday clash in round twelve,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-v-collingwood-jack-viney-gets-through-training-20160611-gpgznz.html|title=Melbourne v Collingwood: Jack Viney named, Magpies wield axe|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=11 June 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=16 September 2016}} in which he recorded thirty disposals, six marks, four tackles and a goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-06-13/courageous-viney-shines-upon-return|title=Courageous Viney shines upon return|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=13 June 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} He finished the season playing in twenty-one out of a possible twenty-two matches and averaged a career high 26.1 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles and ranked fourth in the AFL for tackles, sixth in centre clearances and eleventh in overall clearances.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-09-06/top-demon-jack-viney-follows-in-dads-footsteps|title=Top Demon Jack Viney follows in dad's footsteps|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=6 September 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} His season was rewarded with the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal as the club best and fairest, finishing eight votes ahead of club captain, Nathan Jones{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-midfielder-jack-viney-has-won-the-demons-best-and-fairest-award/news-story/ae88dd56bfb182ea09db47d9ce2fea05|title=Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney has won the Demons' best and fairest award|last=McFarlane|first=Glenn|date=6 September 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=6 September 2016}} and he was the recipient of the Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy (leadership award).{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-09-06/gawn-claims-two-awards-on-bf-night|title=Gawn claims two awards on B&F night|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=6 September 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} In addition, he was named as one of the ruck rovers in the 22under22 team,{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/22under22-team-revealed-marcus-bontempelli-named-captain-caleb-daniel-misses-out/news-story/34af5fc94adc663e5fb2ed78ef0fba93|title=22under22 team revealed: Marcus Bontempelli named captain, Caleb Daniel misses out|first=Ben|last=Waterworth|date=13 September 2016|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}} he was selected in AFL Media's team of the week five times,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-07-12/team-of-the-week-round-16|title=Team of the week: round 16|last=Curley|first=Adam|date=12 July 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-09/team-of-the-week-round-20|title=Team of the week: round 20|last=Curley|first=Adam|date=9 August 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 September 2016}} he was labelled as a "premium midfielder" by ESPN journalists, Niall Seewang and Jake Michaels,{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/17269727/melbourne-football-club-jack-viney-ultimate-afl-athlete|title=Jack Viney: The ultimate athlete|last1=Seewang|first1=Niall|last2=Michaels|first2=Jake|date=11 August 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=16 September 2016}} and Nathan Jones, noted he was the "obvious choice" to be his successor as Melbourne captain.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/nathan-jones-says-jack-viney-will-be-the-next-melbourne-captain/news-story/b552d255ab4f756475f02935733d0921|title=Nathan Jones says Jack Viney will be the next Melbourne captain|last=Gardiner|first=Gilbert|date=7 August 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=16 September 2016}}

=2017 season=

{{Quote box

| quote = Jack certainly plays in the same vein [as Joel Selwood]. You could argue his leadership credentials are probably stronger than Selwood's at the same age.

| source = Brad Sewell, two-time {{AFL Haw}} premiership player

| width = 30%

| align = left

}}

Viney had a delayed start to the 2017 pre-season after requiring surgery on his hip at the end of the 2016 home and away season.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-01-05/jack-viney-back-on-track-as-melbourne-returns-for-2017|title=Viney back on track as Dees return for 2017|last=Edwards|first=Nat|date=5 January 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} On the eve of the JLT Community Series, he was announced as the co-captain of Melbourne alongside Nathan Jones with senior coach, Simon Goodwin, noting he is "a very talented player who role models exactly the core values we want in our playing group."{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-announce-nathan-jones-and-jack-viney-as-cocaptain/news-story/4be2136943a75f5d5590508b62a99bde|title=Melbourne announce Nathan Jones and Jack Viney as co-captains|last=McFarlane|first=Glenn|date=10 February 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} With his father, Todd Viney, captaining the club in 1998 and 1999, it was the first time in club history a father and son have held the position on a permanent basis.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-2017-jack-viney-joins-nathan-jones-as-demons-cocaptains-20170210-gua43v.html|title=AFL 2017: Jack Viney joins Nathan Jones as Demons co-captains|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=10 February 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=13 November 2017}} The move to elevate Viney to co-captain was questioned by the media and public considering Viney's young age and the only other time Melbourne had co-captains was during very poor performed years from 2012 to 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/simon-goodwin-says-melbourne-is-not-repeating-captaincy-mistakes-by-appointing-jack-viney/news-story/9cfabbd42a62f3c0c50da7abbcadfac6|title=Simon Goodwin says Melbourne is not repeating captaincy mistakes by appointing Jack Viney|last=Ralph|first=Jon|date=16 February 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}}

File:Viney kicking away from Phillips.jpg during the Queen's Birthday match in round 12, 2017.]]

Following his strong 2016 season, AFL Media named him inside the top fifty players in the league{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-28/the-afl-players-top-50-tough-demon-debuts-as-the-countdown-begins|title=AFL players' top 50: Hard-as-nails Demon debuts as the countdown begins|date=28 February 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} and Fox Sports Australia journalist, Anna Harrington, predicted he would continue his linear improvement and is "the gun player" of Melbourne.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/melbourne-2017-season-preview-dees-must-reduce-gap-between-best-and-worst-football-to-play-finals/news-story/03acd6381feb7a67c7c18fe6513bbeb6|title=Melbourne 2017 season preview: Dees must reduce gap between best and worst football to play finals|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=20 March 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} Despite the positive expectation on him, he struggled for form early in the season and was criticised by former player and media personality, David King, for his performance in the thirteen point loss to {{AFL Ric}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Anzac Day eve match due to wasting energy with his aggression towards opposition players off the ball.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jack-viney-comes-under-fire-for-focusing-on-flying-the-flag-while-his-individual-form-is-down/news-story/90b6a23ea402d26051a8e567d45701a8|title=Jack Viney comes under fire for focusing on flying the flag while his individual form is down|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=26 April 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} Soon after, he found form and was named in AFL Media's team of the week in rounds seven, eight and twelve.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-09/team-of-the-week-r7-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R7: Did we get it right?|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=9 May 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-16/team-of-the-week-r8-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R8: Did we get it right?|last1=Guthrie|first1=Ben|last2=Stephens|first2=Romy|date=16 May 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-13/team-of-the-week-r12-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R12: Did we get it right?|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=13 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} He was praised in particular for his match against Collingwood in the Queen's Birthday clash, in which he recorded twenty disposals, ten contested possessions, three clearances and seven tackles to be named one of Melbourne's best players by Anna Harrington.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jack-viney-says-he-had-a-narrowminded-view-of-leadership-when-he-came-into-the-afl-system/news-story/52b9c8c79712cd0cbe5441ba604fc5b1|title=Jack Viney says he had a 'narrow-minded' view of leadership when he came into the AFL system|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=12 June 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}}

Two weeks later, he was the sole captain of Melbourne for the first time after Nathan Jones injured himself the week before and Viney helped the club defeat {{AFL WC}} in Perth for the first time in fifteen seasons with a three point win.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-25/nine-things-we-learned-from-round-14|title=Nine things we learned from round 14|last=King|first=Travis|date=25 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} His performance in the match was labelled "the stuff of legend" by AFL Media's, David Reed.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-24/five-talking-points-west-coast-v-melbourne|title=Five talking points: West Coast v Melbourne|last=Reed|first=David|date=24 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} Despite injuring his shoulder in the third term and missing most of the quarter, he finished the match with thirty-eight disposals, twenty six contested possessions, nine clearances and a goal.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-round-14-west-coast-eagles-v-melbourne/news-story/3817a133d0f955d1125330bff1fcedd4|title=Jack Viney inspires Melbourne to breakthrough win over Eagles, Tom McDonald boots five goals|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=24 June 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} His leadership drew high praise, with Simon Goodwin saying "he's just an incredible player around the contest and he was unbelievable as our skipper"{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-06-25/goodwin-lauds-courageous-viney|title=Goodwin lauds courageous Viney|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=25 June 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} and Viney drew comparisons to Joel Selwood and Michael Voss by Garry Lyon,{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-great-garry-lyon-compares-demon-jack-viney-to-geelong-skipper-joel-selwood/news-story/c1a517ccaf76381a2dc82a5bb63361c9|title=Melbourne great Garry Lyon compares Demon Jack Viney to Geelong skipper Joel Selwood|last=Harrington|first=Anna|date=26 June 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} Dennis Cometti{{cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/shades-of-voss-selwood-and-jones-in-melbourne-co-captain-jack-vineys-game-against-west-coast-ng-b88517971z|title=Shades of Voss, Selwood and Jones in Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney's game against West Coast|last=Cometti|first=Dennis|date=26 June 2017|work=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media|access-date=13 November 2017}} and Brad Sewell.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/debate-is-jack-viney-becoming-the-new-joel-selwood-20170628-gx09sr.html|title=Debate: Is Jack Viney becoming the new Joel Selwood?|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=30 June 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=13 November 2017}} He received the maximum three Brownlow Medal votes in the match, meaning he was adjudged the best player on the ground by the field umpires and was named in AFL Media's team of the week.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-27/team-of-the-week-r14-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R14: Did we get it right?|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Stephens|first2=Romy|date=27 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} The next week in the thirty-five point loss to {{AFL Syd}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he injured his foot which required surgery to his plantar fascia and he was ruled out of playing football for four to six weeks.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-03/jack-viney-hit-for-six-dees-skipper-undergoes-surgery|title=Viney hit for six: Dees skipper undergoes surgery|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=3 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}}

Viney missed just two matches and returned in the twenty-three point win against Port Adelaide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round eighteen, recording a game-high ten clearances, in addition to twenty-five disposals, seven tackles and six inside 50s which led to teammate, Dom Tyson, saying "he's just so important, he's our captain and you just walk that little bit taller when he's on the field with you"{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/i-dont-think-he-feels-pain-dom-tyson-says-jack-vineys-remarkable-performance-inspired-win-over-port-adelaide/news-story/3a0592d8cc6ecdcec9f33c59005a9d6d|title='I don't think he feels pain': Dom Tyson says Jack Viney's remarkable performance inspired win over Port Adelaide|last=Olle|first=Sarah|date=23 July 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} and he was named in AFL Media's team of the week for the fifth time in the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-25/team-of-the-week-r18-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R18: Did we get it right?|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|date=25 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}} He played the next three matches before pulling up sore in his foot during the twenty-four point win against {{AFL StK}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round twenty-one.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-demons-not-ruling-out-sore-jack-viney-20170816-gxx5ym.html|title=Melbourne Demons not ruling out sore Jack Viney|date=16 August 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=13 November 2017}} He was forced to miss the remaining two games of the season after the club missed finals by 0.5 percentage points.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/jesse-hogan-jack-viney-could-benefit-from-prefinals-bye-should-melbourne-demons-qualify-20170827-gy4zpp.html|title=Jesse Hogan, Jack Viney could benefit from pre-finals bye should Melbourne Demons qualify|last=Colangelo|first=Anthony|date=27 August 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=13 November 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/afl-demons-miss-finals-by-05-per-cent-as-eagles-kick-on/news-story/309ad53844b7b6b740e15965257268a4|title=AFL: Demons miss finals by 0.5 per cent as Eagles kick on|last=Denham|first=Greg|date=28 August 2017|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} Playing eighteen matches for the season, he finished second in the club best and fairest{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/clayton-oliver-has-crushing-win-at-melbourne-best-and-fairest-jack-watts-misses-top-20-20171009-gywxg2.html|title=Clayton Oliver has crushing win at Melbourne best and fairest, Jack Watts misses top 20|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=27 August 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=13 November 2017}} and received the Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy (leadership award) for the second consecutive year.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-10-09/clarry-cleans-up-at-best-and-fairest|title=Clarry cleans up at best and fairest|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 October 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017|archive-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011082323/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-10-09/clarry-cleans-up-at-best-and-fairest|url-status=dead}} Despite the early season criticisms of Viney becoming co-captain, he received continual praise throughout the season for his leadership with Cameron Mooney predicting he could become one of the Melbourne's greatest captains{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/fox-footy-podcast-jack-viney-could-be-one-of-melbournes-great-captains-says-cameron-mooney/news-story/5b3c23604822fc9e4e0c7f23c521ad4c|title=Fox Footy Podcast: Jack Viney could be one of Melbourne's great captains, says Cameron Mooney|last=May|first=Brayden|date=20 July 2017|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=13 November 2017}} and AFL Media journalist, Damien Barrett, said the choice to appoint co-captains was paying off.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-26/goodwins-captain-call-pays-dividends|title=BARRETT: Goodwin's captain call pays dividends|last=Barrett|first=Damien|date=26 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=13 November 2017}}

Personal life

Viney is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University. In 2021, Viney was named as Deakin University's Male Sportsperson of the Year.{{cite web |title=2021 Deakin Sport Awards: Congratulations to our Sportsperson of the Year winners! |url=https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/deakinlife/2021/12/10/2021-deakin-sport-awards-congratulations-to-our-sportsperson-of-the-year-winners/ |website=Deakin Life |publisher=Deakin University |access-date=13 December 2021}}

Statistics

Updated to the end of 2024.{{cite web|title=Jack Viney|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/J/Jack_Viney.html|work=AFL Tables|access-date=28 March 2020}}

| 2013 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 13 || 3 || 4 || 118 || 109 || 227 || 37 || 54 || 0.2 || 0.3 || 9.1 || 8.4 || 17.5 || 2.8 || 4.2 || 2

| 2014 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 20 || 5 || 7 || 187 || 210 || 397 || 56 || 87 || 0.3 || 0.4 || 9.4 || 10.5 || 19.9 || 2.8 || 4.4 || 0

| 2015 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 16 || 3 || 4 || 141 || 210 || 351 || 31 || 105 || 0.2 || 0.3 || 8.8 || 13.1 || 21.9 || 1.9 || 6.6 || 3

| 2016 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 21 || 8 || 2 || 224 || 324 || 548 || 72 || 148 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 10.7 || 15.4 || 26.1 || 3.4 || 7.0 || 14

| 2017 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 18 || 6 || 5 || 151 || 264 || 415 || 44 || 126 || 0.3 || 0.3 || 8.4 || 14.7 || 23.1 || 2.4 || 7.0 || 9

| 2018 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 10 || 2 || 2 || 87 || 158 || 245 || 25 || 59 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 8.7 || 15.8 || 24.5 || 2.5 || 5.9 || 4

| 2019 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 21 || 4 || 4 || 210 || 234 || 444 || 68 || 110 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 10.0 || 11.1 || 21.1 || 3.2 || 5.2 || 3

| 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 16 || 5 || 4 || 166 || 152 || 318 || 40 || 67 || 0.3 || 0.3 || 10.4 || 9.5 || 19.9 || 2.5 || 4.2 || 6

| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2021^# || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 15 || 4 || 7 || 162 || 173 || 335 || 37 || 106 || 0.3 || 0.5 || 10.8 || 11.5 || 22.3 || 2.5 || 7.1 || 3

| scope=row | 2022 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 22 || 8 || 3 || 256 || 309 || 565 || 62 || 126 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 11.6 || 14.0 || 25.7 || 2.8 || 5.7 || 7

| 2023 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 24 || 8 || 5 || 315 || 300 || 615 || 73 || 142 || 0.3 || 0.2 || 13.1 || 12.5 || 25.6 || 3.0 || 5.9 || 24

| 2024 || {{AFL Mel}} || 7

| 23 || 10 || 4 || 258 || 226 || 484 || 60 || 143 || 0.4 || 0.2 || 11.2 || 9.8 || 21.0 || 2.6 || 6.2 || 8

|- class=sortbottom

! colspan=3 | Career

! 219 !! 66 !! 51 !! 2276 !! 2667 !! 4943 !! 605 !! 1274 !! 0.3 !! 0.2 !! 10.4 !! 12.2 !! 22.6 !! 2.8 !! 5.8 !! 83

Notes

Honours and achievements

Team

AFL premiership player ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021
McClelland Trophy ({{AFL Mel}}): 2021

Individual

Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy: 2016
Melbourne co-captain: 2017–2019
22under22 team: 2016
3× Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (Melbourne B&F Runner-Up): 2015, 2017, 2019
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy: 2013
AFL Rising Star nominee: 2013 (Round 21)

References

External links

{{Melbplayer|608/jack-viney}}
{{AFL Tables|ref=J/Jack_Viney.html}}
{{Twitter|id=jackviney7}}

Category:1994 births

Category:Living people

Category:Melbourne Football Club players

Category:Australian rules footballers from Melbourne

Category:Oakleigh Chargers players

Category:Casey Demons players

Category:People educated at Carey Baptist Grammar School

Category:People educated at Prince Alfred College

Category:Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy winners

Category:Sportspeople from Echuca

Category:Melbourne Football Club premiership players

Category:VFL/AFL premiership players

Category:Deakin University alumni

Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)

Category:Australian rules footballers from South Australia

Category:People from the City of Boroondara

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen