Viney hails mentor role of father and Demons great Todd

Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney says his father, Demons great Todd Viney, has played a significant role in his development both as a footballer and as a person.

Todd, who played 233 games for the club, is part of the Dees’ football department, fulfilling a variety of roles from fitness to recruitment and list management.

Jack, who has enjoyed an outstanding finals series, regularly seeks advice from his straight-shooting dad in order to enhance his game.

“It’s a really unique position having your old man working at the same football club,” Viney told SEN Breakfast.

“I love that, he’s a mentor for me off the field but also in terms of football, so I regularly find my way into his office to get his thoughts on a few things.

“He tries his hardest to leave the coaching up to the coaches, but he tries his best to give me a few pieces of advice every now and then.

“They’re (compliments) are pretty hard to get off him.

“He’s a straight-shooter and doesn’t sugar coat anything, so I suppose when you do get that bit of praise, you know you must have done something pretty good.”

Viney will look to lead Melbourne into their first Grand Final since 2000, when they take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Listen to Jack Viney’s chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below