West Coast has emerged as a surprise trade option for former Melbourne captain Jack Viney.
The Demons midfielder has been told by Melbourne to look for another club in 2027 and beyond, signalling that the Dees' on-ball brigade has moved past Viney.
The 32-year-old struggled with Achilles and back injuries throughout 2026, playing only one AFL match (Wildcard Round loss to Carlton).
AFL Trade Radio is reporting that Viney is being courted by West Coast and Essendon.
Both sides were at the bottom of the ladder this season and are eager to add someone of Viney's character, professionalism and leadership to their midfield.
The Eagles currently have an exciting and raw-talent midfielder mix of Harley Reid, Willem Duursma and Elijah Hewett, while the Bombers have an equally promising group of Sullivan Robey, Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow.
Viney would help guide either side's growth with aplomb and could perform a similar role to what Luke Hodge did at Brisbane, Luke Parker is doing at North Melbourne, and what Scott Pendlebury is expected to do at Gold Coast next year.
West Coast has a link to Viney, with the Eagles' senior coach, Andrew McQualter, having history with him from his time at Melbourne.
Viney was drafted by the Dees as a father-son pick in 2012, after his father Todd played 233 games for the club and captained the Demons for two seasons.
Son Viney has matched his father's exploits at Melbourne, playing 238 games, captaining the club for three seasons and being part of the Demons' drought-breaking premiership in 2021.
