Jack Viney says Melbourne is wary of Richmond and are preparing to play them at their best

MELBOURNE’s Jack Viney is wary of a fired-up Richmond in Sunday’s Anzac Eve clash at the MCG but he is confident the Demons can record back-to-back wins.

AFL: Round 4 Collingwood v Melbourne Jack Viney Picture:Wayne Ludbey

MELBOURNE young gun Jack Viney is wary of a fired-up Richmond in Sunday’s Anzac Eve clash at the MCG, but he is confident the club can record back-to-back wins for the first time in 11 years.

Viney didn’t playing in last year’s corresponding fixture because of injury and he is eager to make up for that with a big night at the MCG.

“We are preparing for Richmond’s best,” Viney said on Saturday. “They have had a tough couple of weeks and copped a lot of scrutiny in the media and the public.

“They have a point to prove. (But) we faced that against Collingwood last week and we felt like we weathered that storm, and hopefully we can do the same.

“I was very jealous that I could not take part in such a thrilling game and such a big moment (in 2015). I can’t wait to play this year.”

Viney and the rest of the Melbourne group were addressed by Sapper Curtis McGrath, who fought in Afghanistan and lost both his legs in a blast. The young Demon said it was an inspirational speech which set the scene of what the modern Anzacs have done.

“You realise what he has gone through and it really puts everything into perspective and makes you realise how lucky we all are,” he said.

“You hear about World War One and World War Two and how significant those times were to the history of Australia.

Sapper Curtis McGrath and Jack Viney at the Shrine of Rememberance. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“But it is happening in our time. We have got Angus Brayshaw’s brother who is going to make his way up in the army and wants to be deployed at some stage.”

Viney’s form has been outstanding so far this season, but he acknowledged the loss to Essendon in Round 2 and the depth within the group has kept every player on edge about maintaining their spot within the team.

“You don’t take anything for granted. To get that monkey off our back (winning two games in a row) ... we know we have to bring our best effort.

“The boys and the coaches are focused on what we need to do to win.

The Demons and Tigers are desperately keen to make this Anzac Eve clash an annual fixture, even when it goes to a Monday night next year.

There will be an emotional pre-game ceremony before the game where the parents of fallen soldier Lance Corporal Andrew Jones will light the flame at the MCG.

Originally published as Jack Viney says Melbourne is wary of Richmond and are preparing to play them at their best