Alastair Clarkson confirms North Melbourne are chasing Jack Viney in search for AFL veterans

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has openly revealed his club is chasing Demon Jack Viney and named four other veterans he would love to bring to the Kangaroos.

Alastair Clarkson and North Melbourne are on the search for veterans.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has confirmed he is desperately trying to prise Jack Viney out of Melbourne to help fast-track the young Kangaroos.

While the Demons are confident vice-captain Viney will honour the final year of his contract next season, Clarkson said the 30-year-old midfielder was right in the Kangaroos’ sights for 2025.

As the Kangaroos start planning for next season, Clarkson also pinpointed several other veterans on the club’s watchlist, including Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines, Sydney pair Luke Parker and Dane Rampe and Giant Callan Ward.

“We want anyone that’s going to help us in that space,” Clarkson said on SEN.

Alastair Clarkson is on the hunt for veteran leaders at North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

“There’s half a dozen players that have been successful, that have had really strong careers and are really strong in their leadership.

“All the guys that we actually want are probably contracted because they’re required for a reason. It’s just, can you extract one or two of them out who feel like they’re either not going to get the same opportunities as what they had before or they feel like their club is going in a different direction.

“We’re just hoping we can extract one or two of those. Jack (Viney) is part of that.”

Viney’s father, Todd, is North Melbourne’s general manager of football.

It’s a part of a bold, public recruiting strategy to bring experience and leadership into Arden St as the Roos work towards rising up the ladder as swiftly as possible.

Jack and Todd Viney could link up at North Melbourne. Picture: Aaron Francis / Herald Sun

“Ollie Wines we’d like to have a chat to,” he said.

“Luke Parker, Dane Rampe coming out, he’s 34 now. Cal Ward … there’s these guys that are just terrific leaders who have been part of successful programs and are high quality men.

“You’re never confident (of securing these players). I don’t know what the hit and miss ratio is for all other clubs, but I reckon mine is one in 10. You miss nine beauties that you’d love to get to your footy club.

“You’re never confident but we know that’s what we’re searching for. We’ll go to market and see how we can go.”

The Roos want to talk to Ollie Wines. Picture: Getty Images

Wines, 29, is locked into the Power until the end of 2026 and is back playing good footy again, which would make it harder for him to move back home to Victoria.

Parker, 31, has had a challenging season through injury and suspension as well as being made to wait for an extended period before winning his way back into the Swans’ line-up.

He has worked his way back into the AFL side across the past six weeks. While he is contracted for next season, his future within the team is not guaranteed.

Rampe, 34, is also contracted to the Swans for next year. Ward is also 34 and chasing that elusive premiership with the Giants.

Bailey Scott has signed on at Arden St. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

SCOTT SIGNS ON AS ROOS REBUILD GATHERS MOMENTUM

North Melbourne has locked away a two-year deal for back-to-back third placegetter in the club’s best and fairest Bailey Scott ahead of his 100th AFL game on Sunday.

Scott, 24, has played every game this season at either half back or the wing and his signature adds to recent contract deals for important teammates Cam Zurhaar, Paul Curtis and Jackson Archer.

A father-son selection, whose dad Robert played in the club’s 1996 premiership, Scott was elevated to the Kangaroos’ leadership group this season.

“We’re rapt to have Bailey recommit to the club,” North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said.

“He not only plays an important role for us on-field but also off the field, driving high standards with his professionalism and dedication.

“We look forward to watching him take his game even further over the next two years.”

Originally published as Alastair Clarkson confirms North Melbourne are chasing Jack Viney in search for AFL veterans