Clarkson confirms interest in Viney as North attempts to “extract” experienced players from rival clubs
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has confirmed the club is interested in Melbourne’s Jack Viney.
Recent reports have indicated that the Kangaroos were set to pursue the Demons vice-captain who is contracted until 2025.
Clarkson was asked by Kane Cornes on SEN Breakfast if he wants Viney at the club.
“We want anyone that’s going to help us in that space,” Clarkson said.
“There’s half a dozen players that have been successful, that have had really strong careers and are really strong in their leadership.
“All the guys that we actually want are probably contracted because they’re required for a reason. It’s just can you extract one two of them out who feel like they’re either not going to get the same opportunities as what they had before or they feel like their club is going in a different direction.
“We’re just hoping we can extract one or two of those. Jack (Viney) is part of that.”
Viney’s father Todd is North’s general manager of football who works closely with Clarkson.
“We’re hoping we can extract one or two of those. Jack (Viney’s) part of that.”
Alastair Clarkson confirms the club will be targeting veteran leaders in the off-season, hoping to land a Jack Viney, Ollie Wines, Cal Ward type of player.@SENBreakfast | #AFL pic.twitter.com/HegxNzQlKN
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 15, 2024
Clarkson also mentioned some other experienced players who the Kangaroos might want to look at.
These are the types of players that the Roos would love to bring to Arden Street, but Clarkson is realistic about the situation and not necessarily pursuing them all.
“Ollie Wines we’d like to have a chat to,” he added.
“Luke Parker, Dane Rampe coming out, he’s 34 now. Cal Ward, there’s these guys that are just terrific leaders who have been part of successful programs and are high quality men.
“You’re never confident (of landing these players). I don’t know what the hit and miss ratio is for all other clubs, but I reckon mine is one in 10. You miss nine beauties that you’d love to get to your footy club.
“You’re never confident but we know that’s what we’re searching for. We’ll go to market and see how we can go.”
The Roos next meet the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday before wrapping up their 2024 season against Clarko’s former club Hawthorn in Launceston.