Max Gawn is set to be named captain of Melbourne for the 2020 season
The changes are set to continue at Melbourne, with superstar ruckman Max Gawn days away from taking over as skipper. But what does that mean for former co-captain Jack Viney?
Melbourne
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Melbourne is set to install Max Gawn as its sole captain in the next three days once its leadership vote is communicated to the players and ratified by the club’s hierarchy.
Nathan Jones and Jack Viney have co-captained the Demons for the past three years, but Jones stood down after last season while it is understood that Viney did not poll enough votes to retain a share of the title.
“We’re going to be in a position in a couple of days to share what this is with you guys,” coach Simon Goodwin said.
“It’s something we want to talk through with the playing group, we want to talk through with the leadership of the club and come to a decision in the next few days.”
Viney – a restricted free agent this year – told the Herald Sun in November: “I love leading the footy club, but if the coaches think Maxy is the best man to take us forward and there’s no co-captaincy … I’ll support that 100 per cent.”
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Viney led the Demons on to Casey Fields on Saturday as they showed off the fruits of a gruelling pre-season by booting 10 goals to three in the second half in a Marsh Community Series match to overpower Adelaide by 33 points.
Players have been forced to sweat through up to 45km of running in a week under new fitness boss Darren Burgess and Goodwin declared fitness would be a key strength in 2020.
Viney (25 disposals) won a game-high nine centre clearances as the Demons kicked 10 goals from turnovers.
Goodwin declared dynamic matchwinner Christian Petracca now had the tank to dominate the midfield.
“He’s done a hell of a lot of work to get his base to a point where he can do what he’s doing now,” Goodwin said.
“We wore Adelaide down in the end. They obviously took a few players off, but I think our fitness is something that’s become a strength for us.
“We’re a side that’s done a hell of a lot of work and through missing finals we got the opportunity to get another five weeks of training in.”
Top draft picks Luke Jackson (200cm) and Kysaiah Pickett appear on track for Round 1 debuts while Angus Brayshaw (elbow) and Bayley Fritsch (infected knee) will return in an unofficial scratch match against North Melbourne next week.
Goodwin said full-back Steven May (knee) and Gawn (knee) should return in the March 6 pre-season match against Hawthorn in Launceston.
“Their (Pickett and Jackson) training has been really strong so they earned their right to play today,” Goodwin said.
“We’re going to use Jacko in a variety of roles – forward, second ruck, inside mid. He’s certainly had a really good summer, and Kozzie’s the same.
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“The pressure Kozzie can apply forward of centre and him, (Charlie) Spargo and (Alex) Neal-Bullen were outstanding with their pressure inside 50m.”
Cheap pick-up Mitch Brown (Essendon) booted three goals with Goodwin happy with his running capacity.
“He didn’t start training until December 3. Especially early in the game his ability aerially to win some one-on-ones for us, but as the game went on he can run.
“We’ve got some tall forwards that can run. He’s certainly pressing his case for Round 1.”
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