Jack Viney poised to overcome foot injury and return for Melbourne's first final

MELBOURNE lost Jesse Hogan but is poised to receive a big boost ahead of their drought-breaking finals campaign. Meanwhile, Swans coach John Longmire on the doubt over Lance Franklin and Lion Luke Hodge slams the MRO. RECAP TUESDAY'S FOOTY NEWS

Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney has declared he’ll be fit to play in the Demons’ drought-breaking first final since 2006.

The star midfielder hasn’t played since Round 16 when the ongoing foot issue that has plagued him since last year flared.

Viney didn’t start the 2018 season until Round 9 as he painstakingly worked his way back to fitness after surgery to repair the plantar fascia in his right foot.

The 24-year-old has been dogged by complications since, including a stress fracture in his big toe.

The Demons secured their finals berth with a morale-boosting win over West Coast and Viney doesn’t intend to miss out.

“I’ll be back for the first final,” he said.

“That was what we kind of set out at the start (of rehab) and it’s progressing how we planned ... It’s coming along nicely.”

The news is a huge boost for the Demons who were rocked by a season-ending foot injury to spearhead Jesse Hogan in the lead up to the Eagles match at Perth Stadium.

Seventh-placed Melbourne play GWS, currently sixth, at the MCG on Sunday and could snare a top-four spot with a win, dependant on other results.

The Demons are adamant that ending their finals drought is only the start.

“We definitely don’t just want to be someone who’s just there for the finals and no one knows about it,” star ruckman Max Gawn told RSN.

“We’re pretty keen to go show our brand against GWS this week ... and then obviously make a stand in finals as well.”

• AAP

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Originally published as Jack Viney poised to overcome foot injury and return for Melbourne's first final

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