Viney and Rivers set to soar as Eagles

Jack Viney and Trent Rivers are embracing their new beginnings out west as the premiership Demons departed Melbourne on Deadline Day.

Viney is excited by the prospect of reconnecting with Andrew McQualter, who was an Assistant Coach at the Dees only a few years ago.

“I mean, having previous relationships with Andrew McQualter…that all kind of got the ball rolling,” Viney told SEN WA Breakfast.

“I've got an immense amount of respect for the way they go about their business.”

The 32-year-old is modelling the Sam Mitchell move from 2017, which saw him play a handful of games for the Eagles before moving into the coaches’ box and being part of the 2018 premiership.

“I love playing football and still feel like I've got lots to give, and lots to offer with new things to add to my game, so that's my number one focus…(as well as) helping out my teammates,” he explained.

“When that time does come to hang up the boots, obviously we can't play forever, as much as I'd love to do that, coaching is something I'm exploring.

The move is a bittersweet one for Viney, who has been a part of the Melbourne Football Club his entire life and was part of the famous rise from the bottom of the ladder to a drought-breaking premiership in 2021.

“It's sad to leave a club that you've got so many fond memories with, and there's still so many great people that work there, that I've worked with for long periods of time,” Viney said.

“I've been there for 14 years, and a lot of people have been there for that whole period of time.

“But things change, and football clubs change; a lot of those teammates that I had such great success with are no longer there.

“I'm sad I'm leaving behind the romantic element of being a one club player, but at the same time, there's a lot of these amazing humans and individuals, such as, you know, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Simon Goodwin, Alex Neal-Bullen, Charlie Spargo, etc."

Once the deal was confirmed, Viney received a surprisingly comedic text from former number one draft pick Willem Duursma.

“I reckon Will Duursma has said, ‘G’day Trent. Welcome to the Footy club.’ So, I don't know what's, I don't know what's happened there,” Viney added.

“I'm going to have to have a word with him about (it).”

Rivers grew up a West Coast fan and idolised Mark Lecras, so the return home is an exciting prospect, made even better with the news Viney would be joining him.

“There's so much upside in such a young, talented group,” Rivers said.

“There's obviously going to be ebbs and flows throughout the year, and we're not coming in expecting to win a grand final straight away, but there's been a lot of progress over the last 12 months.

“I'm just excited to try and get some wins on the board and, really, get the Eagles fans up and about and get Optus Stadium pumping.”

Rivers is also a close friend of Sydney Swan Chad Warner, with the pair playing junior footy together in WA.

“Actually I gave ‘Chaddy’ a message last night and said, ‘hey, in 12 months I hope you're locker buddies with me,’ so I've already put in some strides there,” Rivers said.

The Eagles also head to the draft currently holding Pick 3 and will look to further bolster their list with young talent that can be nurtured by the experience and leadership of Viney and Rivers.

It will be a big year for West Coast with McQualter in the final year of his contract and needing to show signs of improvement in his side that has finished 16th and 18th in the last two years.