Jack Viney joins West Coast with coaching role to follow playing career
The former Melbourne captain thanked supporters after 14 years at the Demons, following an injury-hit season that yielded one senior appearance.
Jack Viney has moved to West Coast during the AFL trade period, ending his 14-year Melbourne career with a deal that includes two years as an assistant coach once he finishes playing.
The 32-year-old had two seasons remaining on his Melbourne contract but was told to consider a move because a place in the side could not be guaranteed. A serious Achilles injury restricted him to one senior appearance in 2026, in the wildcard final defeat against Carlton.
In a social media farewell, Viney thanked Melbourne supporters for backing him and his family. He said his ties to the club began as a child watching his father play, and described leaving as difficult while expressing gratitude for his time there.
Recruited under the father-son rule in 2012, Viney played 238 games for Melbourne. He captained the Demons for three seasons, collected two best-and-fairest awards and helped win the 2021 premiership.
Viney will relocate with his wife and three young daughters. He said conversations with Andrew McQualter, Sammy Radford, Mitch Duncan and others familiar with West Coast, along with a visit to WA, helped him decide on the move.
McQualter, now the Eagles coach, worked as Melbourne’s midfield coach in 2024. Viney said he was looking forward to supporting West Coast’s young players, including Harley Reid and Willem Duursma, and earning his new teammates’ respect.
