‘VFL and AFL are different sports’: Why Viney’s September dreams hang in the balance

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney faces a race against time to return for the finals despite a successful comeback through the VFL.

Viney had 19 disposals, including a goal and a game-high 10 clearances, for Casey in the VFL in his comeback from Achilles tendon and back issues.

He had not played a game at all this season, one in which the Demons have rebounded from a horror 2025 to be in the frame for a top-four finish heading into Saturday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs – the final game of the home-and-away campaign.

Adding to the Demons’ dilemma is that Casey’s VFL campaign has ended, finishing the year 18th on the ladder.

While coach Steven King was delighted with Viney’s return, he said on Tuesday there was much to consider when it came to the midfielder’s possible senior return.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into it. Obviously, the team balance. We’ve won six of our last seven, but, I mean, when you have Jack Viney available, it’s only a good thing,” King said.

“So, I want to make sure I do the right thing by the team, the club, but more so Jack as well. We want to make sure when he comes in, he’s really ready. Is that this week? We’ll wait and see.”

The Demons’ midfield has been purring, so Viney would have to squeeze into a line-up that included dynamic playmaker Kysaiah Pickett, the newly-contracted Tom Sparrow, Caleb Windsor and Joel Fitzgerald.

The Demons are hoping to be involved in a VFL scratch match this weekend to give several of their fringe players another chance to push for finals selection.

“I think we have to acknowledge that VFL and AFL are different sports. The intensity … you can’t replicate an AFL game,” King said.

“In saying that, we are in a position with five on the bench. We’d be able to manage players coming back in like we do. I think every team would have probably one player that spends a little less game time, so that’s definitely an option.

“For me, we just have to look at our mix and our balance, and there’s more to it than just one player comes in. It’s the ripple effect, how it affects your team and your squad, and also your opponents who are playing that week.”

King said he was delighted Sparrow had inked a five-year deal, and said skipper Max Gawn, almost certain to be named an All-Australian for the ninth time, should also be bestowed the captaincy.

“I’m biased, but I think he’s worthy of an All-Australian captaincy, to be honest, with what’s done and how he’s carried this team this year to be sitting where we are,” King said.