AFL trade news 2024: Demons vice-captain Jack Viney spurns Kangaroos, re-signs with Melbourne

Alastair Clarkson made headlines last week by declaring his intent to poach Jack Viney from the Demons. But the heart and soul of the Dees has turned that away to commit to Melbourne.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 17: Jack Viney of the Demons celebrates with teammates after kicking a goal during the round 23 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons at People First Stadium, on August 17, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney has signed a new long-term deal, shutting down any speculation about his future at the club.

Viney’s management has locked in a new deal past 2025, showing his faith in the club despite a rocky second half of the season.

Viney was not as definitive about his future as he might have been in a weekend Fox Footy post-match interview.

But he has maintained his faith in the club despite being offered a significant deal by North Melbourne, where his father is the football boss under Alastair Clarkson.

The Demons hierarchy is in no doubt about his future, with Viney having come to the club weeks ago and informed them about the North Melbourne offer.

Jack Viney is set to stay in red and blue. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

He told them he was not pursuing the contract or using it as leverage.

With Melbourne having extended the contract of captain Max Gawn to 2027 on Sunday, the security of having locked away their captain and vice-captain for the foreseeable future will be music to the ears of Demons fans amid a turbulent period for the club.

The Herald Sun revealed on Monday Christian Petracca had addressed his teammates on Monday as he attempted to explain his recent issues with the club and absence from the team headquarters.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said after the club’s rousing victory over Gold Coast he was sure Viney would remain at the club.

“He’s red and blue through and through,” Goodwin said.

“I’m sure that’ll (contract) get sorted in due course. He’s still got a year to run on his contract. He’s as passionate about the Melbourne jumper as anyone.

“I love coaching him, he’s a ripper and someone that’s going to drive our footy club forward next year.”

Originally published as AFL trade news 2024: Demons vice-captain Jack Viney spurns Kangaroos, re-signs with Melbourne