Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Scully knows the boos are coming on Sunday afternoon, but feels Melbourne fans have nonetheless moved on.
Scully certainly has.
It’s been over nine months since the No.1 pick of the 2009 AFL draft decided his future was with GWS, ending a season of intense speculation by signing a six-year deal reportedly worth $6 million.
The 21-year-old, who says the move to western Sydney has lived up to expectations, will on the weekend be surrounded at the MCG by Demons’ supporters that felt so aggrieved by his decision.
It will be the first time Scully plays against his old side – an issue visited by GWS coach Kevin Sheedy on Saturday and sure to be trotted out ad nauseam this week.
But the man in the middle of the two clubs did his best to downplay the drama on Monday.
“It’s been a long time since it happened. I think people have got over it,” Scully said.
“There might be a few boos and that – but I think people will get on with it and get over it.
“I’m sure that Melbourne supporters would have liked to see me stay … but we’re all professionals and I made a decision to move my career here and most people have moved on.
“(If the crowd boos) It won’t really faze me.”
Scully’s departure from the Demons was met with immediate scorn from their faithful, some of which confronted him in restaurants and the like, but he noted that has eased.
And while some vitriolic fans might be keen to unleash a savage salvo from the stands, Scully believes his former teammates won’t have too much bottled-up angst.
“Obviously guys were disappointed but I think they understood my decision and respected it,” said Scully.
“From that point of view I’ve had no issues from any of the players.
“Sam Blease is probably one of my best mates, so I talk to him quite regularly.
“I’ve still got some really good relationships with the guys at Melbourne and certainly I feel that we’ll be mates for a long time.
“I’m sure when the final siren goes we’ll have a good chat.”
James McDonald, a former Melbourne captain, will also represent GWS on the weekend.
One suspects his appearance won’t attract quite the same attention.
Strummer Jones
Guest
I hear Minson is making a special appearance for Melb. Not sure why Melbourne asked him to play for them, and just for this game, but will be interesting.
Redb
Roar Guru
Scully might found out differently on Sunday. There is a hard core to some Melbourne members I reckon Scully might just be the target of some jibes. I'd expect a few Melbourne players to remind him of the taste of dirt as well :)
checkside
Guest
I think its about time, especially in Victoria - (as we from over the border have had our players pilfered by Victorian clubs for years), that fans should understand that players and coaches have a loyalty to a club. However with the big money going around we all must realise the individual can set themselves up for life. The abuse and calls of treachery are bit much of late. It all started going professional when Barass decided to move almost 50 years ago - he didnt do it for love of the Carlton Football Club. The rubbish that has come out with Bomber Thompson, Gary Ablett Jnr, Chris Judd and Ross Lyon to name only a few that have relocated to other clubs is laughable. Welcome to the professional business of Australian Rules Football - I love it, so does Tom Scully and the Giants!!