New West Coast player Jack Viney has poured his heart out on social media after departing Melbourne during the AFL trade period.
Viney, who joined the Demons as a father-son recruit way back in 2012, will go down as a club great.
He amassed 238 games, served as captain for three seasons, won two best and fairests and was a key member of the 2021 premiership-winning team.
But his 2026 season was derailed by a serious Achilles injury that saw him manage just one senior game, the wildcard final loss to Carlton.
Still contracted for two more seasons, Viney was told to explore his options in the trade period given he couldn’t be guaranteed a spot in the team.
West Coast came knocking and Viney took up the offer, which includes two years as an assistant coach after his playing career ends.
Viney posted a classy message on social media, thanking Melbourne and the fans for their ongoing support throughout the past 14 years.
“It’s hard to put into words what this club has meant to me. My connection to Melbourne started long before my playing days, spending time in the changerooms as a kid watching Dad play,” he wrote.
“Little did I know that one day I’d be lucky enough to pull on the same jumper, captain this club and experience the ultimate high of a premiership.
“When I first came to the club, all I ever wished for was to see Melbourne respected again, and for the supporters to be proud to pull on the red and blue.
“I’ve shared some incredible memories with teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes.
“To the fans who have supported me, and embraced my family, thank you. Your passion and support never went unnoticed.
“This club will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we’ll forever be proud to have been a part of it.
“Leaving isn’t easy, but I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, proud of what we’ve shared and excited for what’s ahead.”
Viney will now pack up his life and move to the other side of the country with his wife and three young daughters.
The 32-year-old is excited to link up with Eagles coach Andrew McQualter, who spent time at the Demons as midfield coach in 2024.
“Super excited. Obviously it was a big decision to come from Victoria to potentially make the move over to Western Australia,” Viney said.
“But after I spoke to ‘Mini’, Sammy Radford, Mitch Duncan and a few other people familiar to the club and got to go visit and check out what WA is all about Charlotte and I got back on the plane coming home and thought we were pretty keen to come over.
“Really excited to be a part of it and the exciting list, youthful group that I’m really looking forward to being part of.”
He is also looking forward to help shape the careers of emerging superstar teammates Harley Reid and Willem Duursma.
“I love the way Harley plays his football, physical and aggressive and on the edge,” Viney said.
“I like to think I play my football in a similar fashion, so if he’s got someone else to help bash heads in there with I’m more than happy to give him a chop out.
“But it’s an exciting youthful group along with the (midfield) coach Sammy Radford who I have got experience with at the Dees so looking forward to coming in and getting to work and earning the respect of those guys and helping them out where I can.”