Melbourne Demons have announced that Jack Viney will join Nathan Jones as co-captains for the 2017 season.

The 22-year-old had a breakout year last season,ย his fourth for the club. He has played 70 games for the Dees.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said the Demons have two strong leaders.

"We have two fantastic leaders at our club in Nathan Jones and Jack Viney," Goodwin said.

"Nathan and Jack make a strong partnership. Nathan has been a very strong leader and we think Jack is now ready."

It will be the first year the Demons have run with co-captains since the partnership between Nathan Jones and Jack Grimes in 2014.

But Goodwin believes the co-captaincy model works and it's here to stay.

"We think this is a model we might have for many years moving forward. It's an incredibly strong partnership."

"We think co-captaincy is the best model for the Melbourne Football Club. We feel like we've got the best two guys for the job."

New recruit Jordan Lewis has also joined theย leadership group, along with Max Gawn, Tom McDonald and Bernie Vince.

Related: ZeroHanger's 2017 Melbourne best 22.

The 2012 father-son draftee said he was excited to find out earlier in the week.

"I found out earlier this week. To co-captain alongside Jonesy is very exciting," Viney said.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and very humbled by it.
"I'm so proud to be co-captain of a footy club with so much history, especially with my family connection and my dad.
"I'm really fortunate to have Jonesy as a leader by my side. I think it will be a great partnership."
Jones has captained the club since 2014, he said he was initially surprised but believes the two will work well together.

"I was initially surprised by the news but Jack is an outstanding guy and I'm really excited to lead with him," Jones said.

"We both bleed for the footy club and we both have the same beliefs.
"I think Jack will take the role in his stride but also with the same tenacity with which he approaches his football."