Demons star shakes injury cloud
MELBOURNE star Jack Viney has given his troublesome toe a big thumbs- up after the Demons returned to the AFL finals with a bang.
After a 12- year absence, Melbourne thrilled longsuffering fans with a stunning 29- point elimination final win over Geelong at the MCG on Friday night. The clash was Viney’s first AFL appearance since round 16, when a nagging injury that has dogged him since last year re- emerged.
But the Demons co- captain said he was feeling no ill- effects after he helped set the tone for his side’s emphatic win with a game- high 11 tackles.
“I went in feeling the best it has all year and it’s pulled up really well,” Viney said. “I’m confident it will be fine. “It’s 100 per cent ... the rehab process has been really smooth compared to the first time around when I had a few hiccups.
“I was always fully confident I was going to get back to play, it was just whether or not I would run out of time if we didn’t make finals.”
A crowd of 91,767 fans – a record attendance for a game between the sides – piled into the ‘ G to watch Melbourne score a 10.15 ( 75) to 6.10 ( 46) win. The victory sets up a semifinal clash against Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.
Having defeated West Coast, GWS and Geelong in their past three matches, the Demons are riding the crest of a wave not unlike those enjoyed by the Western Bulldogs and Richmond on their way to recent premiership success.
“I think any team that’s still kicking has a chance ... I think that’s been proven by the last couple of premiers,” Viney said.