Melbourne standard-bearer Jack Viney says he hasn’t witnessed any signs the reigning premier is suffering from a dreaded premiership hangover.
Viney revealed in the Every Heart Beats True documentary on the Demons’ drought-busting flag triumph last year that he labelled unnamed teammates “selfish” in just his second AFL game.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who will again serve as Max Gawn’s vice-captain, has never minced his words since but said on Monday he hadn’t delivered any reality check-type statements this pre-season.
“That’s the worry coming into an off-season and a pre-season where you’ve kind of achieved the ultimate is are we complacent?” Viney said.
“I haven’t seen anything to suggest that this pre-season.
“I’ve been really happy with the training standards and the amount of work we’ve put in, so I’m really excited to give it a crack on Wednesday night.”
Melbourne starts its premiership defence with a grand final rematch against a Western Bulldogs side desperate for revenge, with the AFL anticipating a bumper MCG crowd of 80,000-plus.
“I think the grand final rematch is the way to kick things off – the two best teams of last season throwing back at it again,” Viney said.
“It’s going to be heated, no doubt. The Doggies have been training super hard and probably want to get a good win on us early and then vice versa.
“We want to continue the strong form, so there’s no better way to kick off the season.”
The Demons will also unfurl their premiership flag in front of footy-starved Melbourne fans who weren’t able to watch in person their team end a 57-year drought.
That part of the night is something Viney is particularly keen to experience.
“It’s going to be really exciting to get all our fans back to the ‘G’, having achieved what we did last year,” he said.
“It’s probably the first time they can watch us play (in a long time), so there’s going to be a lot of excitement from Dees and Doggies fans about the contest – and unfurling the flag to our supporters is going to be super exciting.
“Apparently, there’s some big fireworks display at halftime as well, so it’ll be pretty spectacular to watch. It’s going to be xjmtzywa great night and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore said it would be “tough” watching Melbourne unfurl its flag after the Demons stormed to a 74-point win on the back of 12-straight second-half goals.
“We’ll pay respect to Melbourne unveiling their flag and deservedly so, but it’s just exciting to play in front of a big crowd and see everyone back at the footy,” Liberatore said.
“It was a pretty hard second half last year, but I think it’ll be good for the game and it will be a good atmosphere and start the battle early.”
