North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkon has confirmed the club is interested in luring Melbourne veteran Jack Viney, less than 24 hours after saying he “never comments publicly” on potential trade targets. Reports circulated last week that the Roos were keen on Viney despite the 30-year-old being contracted to the Demons until the end of next season. Viney has a family connection at North with his father Todd the GM of football.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The Kangaroos have made no secret of their desire to target experienced players to help their young list begin their charge up the ladder and eventually into finals contention. But Clarkson has rarely engaged in such conversations, often leaving it up to the list management team. And he reaffirmed his stance on not commenting publicly on opposition players when asked about Viney specifically on Thursday.
“We’re entering the silly season. It’s just unfortunate for players and clubs that there’s just so much speculation, but we always leave that to our list management staff,” he said. “We never comment publicly about any player that we’re either trying to pursue or otherwise.
I don’t think that’s fair on the player, I don’t think that’s fair on the club, I don’t think it’s fair on the opposition club. ” But on Friday morning, Clarkson broke his own rule when asked the same question on Melbourne radio station SEN. “We want anyone that’s going to help us in that space,” .