Jack Viney reveals Melbourne meeting about Christian Petracca and Jake Melksham's 'flare-up' at youngster

Melbourne has internally addressed the frustrated body language from senior players Christian Petracca and Jake Melksham in their loss to the Western Bulldogs.

While the two veterans' conduct attracted criticism, Demons vice-captain Jack Viney believes the occasional flare-up is a natural part of having "competitive and passionate" players.

In their first game under interim coach Troy Chaplin following Simon Goodwin's sacking last week, Melbourne suffered a nailbiting six-point loss to the finals-chasing Bulldogs.

Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge notably criticised Melksham and Petracca for their body language and outbursts towards youngster Harvey Langford for some of his kicking and decision-making during the game.

Hodge described Petracca on the Seven Network as "a person who's worried about his own stats" after he was frustrated with a kick that did not come to him inside 50, despite it ending up in a goal.

Veteran forward Melksham also received some attention for spraying Langford for a missed kick.

"Obviously, got some pretty competitive and passionate individuals that at times, can blow over," Viney said.

"But we've addressed it internally, and something that we've spoken about throughout the season, because we believe it impacts the next play.

"It kind of, for that split second, takes us away from playing the game.

"So it's something that we've addressed, but just being passionate and competitive humans at times, it's going to flare up again."

It is not the first time Petracca, who wears his heart on his sleeve, has been scrutinised for his body language.

"It's kind of a natural reaction in times of frustration, but it's something that we don't want to see too much," Viney said.

"We do think that we can move on from mistakes. And football is by no means a perfect sport, so there's going to be plenty of mistakes out on the footy field.

Melbourne battled hard against the Western Bulldogs last Sunday in caretaker coach Troy Chaplin's first game in charge, before going down by six points. (Getty Images/AFL Photos: James Wiltshire)

"The quicker we can move on and stay involved in the play, the better, more consistent we'll be as a team.

"So it's something we've addressed, but … we know it's going to flare up from time to time."

After sacking Goodwin last week, Melbourne has assembled their selection panel for its next senior coach.

"All the players are rapt to see that progression and hopefully have one sooner rather than later," Viney said.

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Former Collingwood boss Nathan Buckley appears the clear frontrunner, but Viney would not buy into any speculation.

The Demons close their season against Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Viney pointed to Collingwood, who Melbourne faced in the final game of 2024, turning a strong back end of that season into a big 2025.

"I take a lot of lessons out of that and I think we could be in a pretty similar boat. We stay united," he said.

"Obviously, there's exciting opportunity to play some young guys, get some experience into them, and really just keep forging ahead."

Key defender Steven May will return against the Hawks at the MCG on Saturday for his 250th game.

AAP

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