Melbourne captain Max Gawn has backed the club's "brutal" list-management calls that led to the departure of Jack Viney, while hoping to finish his own career as a one-club player.
Gawn, off contract in 2027, said on Monday at the launch of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race that he was keen to remain a Demon. "I'm pretty keen in Melbourne, I understand 'Vines' would have said the same thing 12 months ago. So, I've just applauded 'Lamby' [list boss Tim Lamb] and King [coach Steven King], and if I'm the one that has to move on next year, and I still think there's footy ahead of me, then that conversation will come, but right now, it does look like my finish will be with the Demons."
The 33-year-old, who earned All-Australian selection for the ninth time this season, also hinted he would be open to offers if negotiations with the Demons did not go as planned, and if new club Tasmania came calling. "I mean, my phone's always open," he said.
Viney, 32, managed only one game this season because of Achilles and back injuries and struggled when recalled for the wildcard final against Carlton. He was traded to West Coast, along with Trent Rivers, on the final day of the trade period. Gawn said he had gone from surprise at the departure to excitement for his former co-captain. "Once it got to a point where West Coast were interested, he's like: 'I want to get there so bad, I want to rejuvenate my career, I want to take my family over there'," Gawn said.
Gawn said the Demons had needed a substantial makeover, pointing to how Geelong had transformed after its 2022 premiership. Only nine players now remain from Melbourne's 2021 flag-winning team. "It's like, OK, this is what's needed in a way to stay in the modern game," he said.
His pre-season training has included "Everesting" South Australia's Willunga Hill, riding the 3.7km climb 39.5 times in 21 hours, and another punishing ride in Phuket. He plans to ride in Patagonia next.
Gather Round fixtures revealed
The AFL has scheduled three blockbuster games at Adelaide Oval to underpin the 2027 Gather Round. Round four opens on Thursday April 8, with Adelaide seeking revenge for their semi-final loss in 2026 to the Brisbane Lions, and closes four days later with Western Bulldogs recruit Zak Butters facing his former side Port Adelaide. The round also features Fremantle against Hawthorn on Saturday night, Sydney against Collingwood on Friday night, and Carlton facing Melbourne in an early Saturday game.
Gold Coast, GWS, Geelong and St Kilda head to the Barossa for their Gather Round games, while Richmond, West Coast, Essendon and North Melbourne play at Norwood Oval. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the inaugural Players Parade on the Friday would boost the event. "Personally, I'm looking forward to being at a packed Adelaide Oval to see Zak Butters take on his former teammates," he said.