MELBOURNE'S Bernie Vince would not have signed with the Demons if he did not believe playing in finals was a distinct possibility in the next few years.
The 28-year-old agreed to a three-year contract with the Dees, with an option of a fourth, in last year's free agency period.
After eight years at Adelaide, Vince made the move to shore up his football future.
The Crows were not prepared to offer him the long-term security he desired, so he ventured to Melbourne, a club on the rise.
"I certainly see us playing finals in the next few years, otherwise I wouldn't have come to the club," Vince says in this round's AFL Record.
"Finals are what footy is about."
Vince did not know what to expect when he arrived at Melbourne. The Demons, coming off a 2-20 season, were looking for some form of guidance.
Paul Roos was that man, offering the experience and successful coaching resume Melbourne needed to make its move up the ladder.
Vince, like Roos, viewed Melbourne objectively.
"I didn't read too much into the pre-conceived view (of the club's list). I just went in with an open mind," Vince said.
Vince's influence on the field has been ample. Significantly, he has taken pressure off co-captain Nathan Jones.
The Demons have won four games this season, already surpassing last year's effort.
Vince has been a key part of the club's improvement, but he understands the Demons still have a long way to go to get to the level the club is chasing.
"We don't want to be just competitive. We want to win games," Vince said.
Read the full story in this week's AFL Record, which is available at all grounds.
