Father-son AFL stars Todd and Jack Viney reflect on balancing career and family

AFL powerhouse father-son pair Todd and Jack Viney have opened up on the pressures of balancing their public footy lives with family and fatherhood.

Todd and Jack Viney have opened up about their lives in football and the pressures of balancing career demands and family.

“The sport we play is public; there’s no hiding your mistakes or performances,” Demons midfielder Jack, 30, said.

“That puts pressure on your mental health and resilience. You’re certainly tested.

“You come home after a tough performance, and you probably don’t give your family the best version of yourself. You have to be strong at picking yourself up after hardship or adversity.”

He adds: “I try to separate footy from my home life. When you’re younger, you’re on Twitter, and looking for your name in the newspaper, or on social media. And you end up riding the rollercoaster of football, the highs and lows.

“I’ve learned to keep my circle close, and keep it small. I value the opinion of those in my inner circle. That’s what drives me.

“It’s helped regulate my emotions throughout my career,” Jack says. “I listen to the old man, my family, the coach, and people I respect and value.”

Jack and Todd in 2012, after Jack was guaranteed to be drafted by the Melbourne Football Picture: Michael Klein

The old man, Todd, 58, is a Melbourne Football Club legend. He played 233 games for the Dees between 1987 and 1999, captained the team for two seasons, and won two best and fairest medals at the club.

He has served in various coaching roles at Melbourne, Hawthorn and Adelaide.

Todd is the general manager of football at North Melbourne.

Todd was 28 when his wife, Meg, gave birth to Jack in April, 1994.

“I was an old soul,” Todd says. “I felt pretty settled, I married my childhood sweetheart, and the next progression was kids.

“When we had Jack, it was a prime era of footy. My wife had to do a lot of the heavy lifting, but she also kept me grounded and made sure I understood my responsibilities,” Todd says. “Footy was footy, but family always came first.”

Young Jack Viney grew up in the changerooms and sidelines of elite-level football.

“I didn’t know any differently,” Jack says. “Dad was legend of the footy club and the AFL, but to me he was just dad.

“But he always reminded me he was a good player — very special,” Jack added, laughing.

“It grew a strong passion for the sport in me. I loved playing it, and wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps. I’d go to dad’s work and hang out with Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell. I felt privileged to have that access; to see what life as an AFL footballer is like.”

The father-son pair have opened up about fatherhood. Picture: Aaron Francis / Herald Sun

However, the view from the inside didn’t mean Jack had automatic entry to the big league.

“Dad told me, ‘You have to be deserving of success. You need to work hard and make sacrifices,’” Jack says. “As a youngster, I was focused and driven. I didn’t drink until I was 18. I missed out on parties. I was always willing to make sacrifices to achieve my goals.”

Todd adds: “It was pretty clear in my mind, over my journey as a player, seeing who was successful, and who wasn’t. I always believed, ‘Put the work in, and the world will be your oyster. If you don’t put in the work, and invest in your career, it might not pan out.’”

Jack made his debut with the Demons in 2013. He was awarded the club’s best and fairest medal in 2016, captained the team from 2017 to 2019, and won a premiership in 2021.

Todd’s wife and Jack’s mother, Meg Viney. Picture: Supplied

At home, Jack and wife Charlotte are the proud parents of daughters, Mila, 4, and Chloe, 21 months.

“It’s challenging trying to make the most of opportunities I have as an AFL player. Being at the top of your game requires a lot of effort and energy. And sometimes that can affect the home life,” Jack says. “I try to find the right balance of working at my craft, but also being a strong dad and father figure for my girls, and support for my wife.”

Jack grins. “Footy is tough, but trying to wrangle two kids around dinner time and bath time really takes it out of you.

“I have massive admiration for Charlotte who stays home to look after our beautiful girls,” he adds. “When I come home, it’s my turn to clock on, and her opportunity to catch a breather. We rely on each other. It really does take a village to raise children.”

Todd Viney, the grandfather, happily admits he’s a pushover.

“I get emotional talking about (his grandkids),” he says, voice shaking. “My family is all boys, three brothers; so, to have girls in the family is very special.

“I love them to death,” Todd says. “It’s like getting a second opportunity to raise your kids.”

Todd beams with pride at the father his son has become.

“Dad taught me to be true to my word and stick to my values,” Jack says. “He taught me not to succumb to peer pressure or give into social norms.

“Jack’s decision, early in his career, to focus on the inner sanctum, and not listen to the outside noise, has been good,” Todd says. “It would be a challenge.”

Todd and Jack are promoting the “Thanks Dad” campaign for Solo soft drinks.

The campaign includes a chance to win tickets to the 2024 AFL Grand Final.

Details at: www.thirstcrusher.com.au/afl-grand-final