‘Ruthless edge’: Viney says finals will bring the best out of Demons

In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:

• Demons ready to display their “ruthless edge” against Swans
• Dustin Martin is closing in on a finals return
• All-Australian skipper Tom Hawkins dismisses Cats’ horror finals record

Check back throughout the day for further updates

Demons ready to display ruthless edge: Viney

Jon Pierik

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney has declared the Demons have regained their “ruthless edge” and are ready to embrace the opportunity of playing before their home supporters in Friday night’s qualifying final against Sydney.

The premiers have won three of their past four matches heading into September, including a 58-point thumping of the Lions at the Gabba.

Coach Simon Goodwin said earlier in the season the Demons had lost the edge which had carried them to last year’s flag, but Viney insists that is no longer an issue.

Hard at it: Demons vice-captain Jack Viney says his side has regained its ruthless edge and is ready to put this on display on Friday night.Credit:Getty Images

“I can only go off our last performance, but I thought we brought that kind of physical and ruthless edge to our game last week. We did that for a month leading up to finals,” Viney said after training on Tuesday.

The Demons lost three straight from rounds 11-13 but rediscovered momentum when they manhandled the Lions at the MCG in round 15.

“We are feeling really good. You don’t need to find too much more motivation or dig too deep to find that ruthless edge in finals. At our best, we play that way. Finals are going to bring the best out of us,” Viney said.

Melbourne was in lockdown this time last year, meaning the finals were held interstate. The Demons seized their breakthrough premiership in Perth, but quickly vowed to do what it took to ensure they had the opportunity of claiming back-to-back premierships in front of their MCG faithful.

“We did some pretty special things last year, but we weren’t able to do it in front of all of our fans. We weren’t able to do it in front of our families as well,” Viney said.

“I am really looking forward to hearing the Demon fans cheering hard, also getting our families along to experience finals football. This is my 10th year of AFL and my family have only been to watch me play one series.”

“This is my 10th year of AFL and my family have only been to watch me play one series.”

The Demons are guaranteed of at least two home finals, and first must overcome the Swans, who prevailed by 12 points when the teams last met, in round 12 at the MCG. The Swans created havoc, scoring 55 points from turnovers, compared to the Demons’ five.

The Demons missed defensive plank Steven May, who had been concussed a week earlier, but the Swans were without Lance Franklin.

Both teams have matured since, with the Demons making positional changes. Over the past month, the Demons have given emerging star Luke Jackson more time in the ruck, allowing skipper Max Gawn to spend more time up forward. Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca has also spent more time inside attacking 50, elevating a forward line that had been a worry.

Tom McDonald, having returned from a serious foot injury via the VFL on Saturday, trained on Tuesday, and remains in the selection mix.

Angus Brayshaw’s shift into the midfield has provided the Demons with a fresh dynamic.Credit:Getty Images

The decision to shift Angus Brayshaw into the midfield has also been a boon, providing more stability and spark. He had the job of running with Lachie Neale in round 23, but still had 27 touches of his own.

Viney, injury free and enjoying what he says has been his most consistent season, said Brayshaw, more relaxed after signing a long-time contract, had been a significant cog.

“He has been huge for us this year. His ability to play backline, wing, in the midfield – he has found form in all roles. That has given us so much as a team,” Viney said.

“I am a bit selfish – I love him in the midfield. But the versatility he gives us, whether that be injuries, or certain parts of the game that we need ‘Gussy’ to go into, he has provided real opportunity for our team.”

Brayshaw plays in the “ruthless” manner the Demons want, and has been integral to his side’s ranking as No.1 for contested possession differential, and second for defending ball movement. However, they are 16th for ball movement, although they generally do not rely on clean use of the ball.

“I feel like we were the hunted team last year, teams wanted to beat us. That has been pretty similar this year, so I think the group have got pretty good experience about how to deal with that expectation,” Viney said.

“It starts from scratch – all teams are in the same position coming into finals.”

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