Nathan Jones says Jack Viney will be the next Melbourne captain

MELBOURNE captain Nathan Jones on Sunday anointed fearless Jack Viney as the obvious choice to take over the leadership reins.

MELBOURNE captain Nathan Jones on Sunday anointed fearless Jack Viney as the obvious choice to take over the leadership reins.

Viney punctuated his stellar season with a career-high 39 disposals in the landmark 29-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

“I don’t think there is any real doubt about that (next captain) ... he plays the game exactly how you’d want a leader to play the game,” Jones said.

“He’s got some terrific attributes and he’s really developing that leadership space.”

But Jones stopped short of handing over the captaincy as early as next season.

“You’ve also got to remember he’s only 22 years ... he still got a lot of growth left in him.”

Jones praised his exciting young team after their coming-of-age win over the reigning premiers.

Jack Viney runs away from Hawk Sam Mitchell during Saturday’s big win.

“I’m really proud and honoured to be able to lead these guys ... they’re all willing to improve, they’ve got terrific attitudes,” Jones told Triple M.

“Players are willing to play their role and sacrifice for the team and in the end it makes everyone walk taller and play better.”

Jones hailed Clayton Oliver’s toughness after he was flattened in a bump that could land Hawk Cyril Rioli in hot water.

“He’s as hard as a cat’s head really,” Jones said.

“I don’t reckon I’ve seen many blokes be hit that flush, and Cyril’s not one you want to run into, and he got ‘Clarry’ Oliver very well (Sunday), but credit to him, he jumped straight back up (and) actually got in Cyril’s grill later in the game so he’s willing to cop it and also give it back.”

Originally published as Nathan Jones says Jack Viney will be the next Melbourne captain