AFL 2026: Jack Viney speaks on Melbourne exit, Neale Daniher’s advice and Harley Reid

Viney walked out of his Melbourne exit meeting shaken by being told his senior opportunities would be scarce in 2027.

The Melbourne premiership champion needed time to think about his future and eventually landed on finishing his career at the West Coast Eagles.

Daniher died earlier this year, succumbing to his marathon battle with motor neurone disease.

Viney wanted to honour Daniher by making light of a situation he, admittedly, never wanted to be in.

“It definitely took time to sink in, I’d envisioned being a one-club player for Melbourne Football Club, it definitely took me by surprise,” Viney said.

“Once we started looking at the opportunities, you know, I reminded myself of some of Neale Daniher’s wise words and wisdom.

“I looked at the opportunities in the situation and quickly became really excited about another opportunity to play football for the Eagles.

“You know, (Neale would say) ‘Life doesn’t promise to be fair’, and, ‘Regardless of the situation there is opportunities in it’.

“We started looking at it, putting down all the pros and cons of the situation and, like I said, I’m really thankful that the West Coast Eagles have given me this opportunity – I can’t wait to get back playing terrific footy.”

Viney battled achilles and back issues throughout the course of the year, returning to play just one senior game in the wildcard final.

“I won’t go into specifics but at the end of the day, the new coach wanted to go in a different direction,” Viney said.

“You know, it went from there. I can respect a decision, whilst I might not understand, I feel like I’ve still got plenty to give and great football to play.

“I can understand where he’s coming from. It was my most disruptive season of my career, I wasn’t really able to make a great first impression.

“I’m not the first player to be in this position, looking at their options and opportunities.”