Jack Viney says rival players want to be part of what Melbourne is building

JACK Viney says Melbourne is an attractive destination for any player thinking of changing clubs as Victorian teams circle Andrew Gaff, and the Dees face a fight to keep VFL regulars including Dom Tyson.

Andrew Gaff of the Eagles runs with the ball.

JACK Viney says Melbourne has become a destination club as Victorian clubs circle West Coast free agent Andrew Gaff.

Melbourne has the salary cap room to lure another midfielder despite securing Tom McDonald and working on deals for out-of-contract pair Neville Jetta and Angus Brayshaw.

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It is a sign of excellent list management given the Demons will need as much as $1 million a year to re-sign Jesse Hogan this summer on a deal currently expiring in 2019.

Melbourne has a long list of matchwinners including Clayton Oliver, Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, who have all re-signed since October.

But it has also added a trio of quality players from other clubs in Jake Lever, Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham.

Viney believes the Demons are an attractive proposition for any rival player considering whether to leave their team for a Victorian club.

“I think the club is going in the right direction. We have got all the right people involved and a strong sense of direction,” he told the Herald Sun.

“We are starting to see that once people see what we are trying to achieve, they want to be a part of it, like last year with Jake. We are an attractive club for any player.”

Andrew Gaff is on Melbourne’s wish list.

Elder statesmen Bernie Vince and Cam Pedersen are also out of contract this year, as are Tom Bugg, James Wagner and James Harmes.

When Vince came to the Demons the Demons had to give up a prized early 20s pick, but Lever only had eyes for Melbourne when he returned home several years later.

Melbourne’s next challenge will come with satisfying the long list of quality players playing regular VFL football.

Dom Tyson, Jeff Garlett, Jayden Hunt, Pedersen and Bugg have all played regular VFL footy, with Tyson a strong inside midfielder other clubs would be scouting.

“They are playing good football, but it’s just tough at the moment with selection,” Viney said.

“It’s not necessarily telling them to go away and do anything different, but it’s just unfortunate we have got boys playing well in the ones.

“And it’s not a bad problem to have in the end.”

Bernie Vince is coming out of contract at the end of the season.

The Herald Sun revealed last week Joel Smith would be the surprise replacement for Jake Lever ahead of Sam Frost.

Viney says Lever’s injury will not impact the club’s finals chances, adamant they have enough defensive cover.

“He is a big loss but we have got some really strong players in the VFL ready to come up.

“I feel like they will perform, that’s the exciting opportunity and Jake has been through a knee before so he knows what he has to do to get his body right.

“At the same time that is football, it happens and we have to make sure he comes back better and stronger.”

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