31.Tom Scully [Archive]

Demon 86

27 Mar 2010, 16:57

Round One 2010: Melbourne Vs Hawthorn MCG (56 point loss)

Rating: 6.5/10
Kicks: 9
Handballs: 11
Marks: 2
Tackles: 1
Free Kicks: 1 for 0 against
Efficiency: 65%
Contested possessions: 9
Uncontested Possessions: 11
Clearances: 3
Clangers: 1
Assists: 0
TOG: ?%
Inside 50’s: 1
Opponent: Predominately Grant Birchall
One Percenters: 7

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 66 Points

Good debut for Scully. Showed plenty of promise and was amongst Melbourne's best. Played mainly on the wing, with stints in the middle as well. Showed excellent pace and endurance (no surprises!). Decision making was very good for a first game player, and got a great tackle which resulted in a holding the ball free kick. One of the very few bright lights on a very disappointing day.

Pros:
- Great pace and vision
- Kicking was good
- Lightning hands
- Knows how to find the footy

Cons:
- Pretty hard to find any given it was his first game!
- Couple of clangers (and that was the order of the day team wide:mad:)
- Took a little while to get into the game (clutching at straws here)
- Can get bustled of ball relatively easily (and obviously given his age)

Does he keep his spot?
Yes- should be one of the first picked given how inept everyone else was, combined with a very good first-up performance.

Sylvia Saint

27 Mar 2010, 17:44

I love the way he can get the ball in a contested situation and burst into space. Very Judd/Dal Santo like in that regard.

Already justifying his #1 status which is good to see.

Demon 86

4 Apr 2010, 09:27

Round Two 2010: Melbourne Vs Collingwood MCG (1 point loss)

Rating: 4.5/10
Kicks: 7
Handballs: 8
Marks: 4
Tackles: 4
Free Kicks: 0 for 3 against
Efficiency: 60%
Contested possessions: 2
Uncontested Possessions: 13
Clearances: 0
Clangers: 6
Assists: 0
TOG: about 80%
Inside 50’s: 2
Opponent: Numerous; Steele Sidebottom at various times. (who was close to BOG)

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 18 Points

Not an amazing game by any stretch. I mark him harshly by virtue of his number one draft pick status, and massive wraps that come with that. Today Scully showed glimpses of his amazing talent with some great little bits of play which highlighted his brilliant lateral movement out of packs, but also showed some less than impressive parts like dropping numerous chest marks and having 6 clangers. Quite possibly as a result of copping a finger directly to his eyeball in the first minute of play (friendly fire- maybe Bate? Cant remember!). Though whether this was actually a factor we may never know.

Now given it was actually a gripping game I didn't watch Scully as closely as last week, but I believe he was matched up on Sidebottom for a while on the wing. Worth noting that Steele had a blinder and was close to BOG.
I rated him 4.5 as I think the dropped chest marks were genuinely awful, and his 6 clangers were very stinky. He was still around every pack and you just sense that he will have an absolute blinder this year, and possibly sooner rather than later. But it wasn't his day against the pies.

Pros:
- Got 15 touches
- 4 tackles
- Movement in and around packs a sight for sore eyes.

Cons:
- Multiple dropped chest marks
- 6 clangers

Does he keep his spot?
Yes- an off day but will be better for it. Any other second gamer and this review would have a much more positive ring to it, but Sculls sets super high standards for himself and so do i! :)

chopper41

11 Apr 2010, 08:33

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn159/ozskin/scullybf.jpg

Demon 86

12 Apr 2010, 14:11

Round Three 2010: Melbourne Vs Adelaide MCG (16 point win:D)

Rating: 5/10
Kicks: 8
Handballs: 10
Marks: 3
Tackles: 2
Free Kicks: 1 for 2 against
Efficiency: 67%
Contested possessions: 3
Uncontested Possessions: 15
Clearances: 2
Clangers: 6
Assists: 0
TOG: 81%
Inside 50’s: 2

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 26 Points

First winning game for Tom (and many others!). Sculls was solid without standing out, and racked up 18 touches playing mainly on the wing. Should be noted that I didnt notice him rack up that many and was surprised to see those stats. Scully's highlights involved a great wrap up tackle on Vince (i think) in the first 5 minutes which earnt him a free kick. His bullet like handpasses were on display again, but unfortunately so were a few clangers that we also saw last week. Not a great game but definitely a solid enough contribution from a 77kg third gamer!

Pros:
- defensive pressure, including tackling and chasing.
- Quick hands inside packs

Cons:
- 6 clangers
- disposal efficiency (is improving however and certainly not the worst out there)

Does he keep his spot?
For the first time this season some people are asking this question. However he should and will stay in the side. The only things Tom really needs to further his development is more AFL expreience, the pace of the game is a massive step up from the VFL and playing for Casey would do nothing for him IMO. Keep him in all year.

DEMON PRIDE

15 Apr 2010, 19:38

he has shown glimses of being number one draft pick. will get better with time i reckon

Demon 86

16 Apr 2010, 12:45

Clarification of my 'rating' system:

- For each match report I have given Sculls a rating which needs some context. It's kind of based on EPL ratings where they dont give big numbers unless a mammoth game has been played.

So:

1)- Worst game ever played in the history of the AFL. Would involve minimum 10 clangers. Would have to have negatively affected the team so much that the player deserves death afterwards.

2) - Horrid game, their efforts were detrimental to the team.

3) - Virtually unsighted all match, bar a cameo or two that brought clangers and/or some other distaster.

4) - Quiet game, down on what is required and expected from a player. Possibly errors involved as well.

5) - Mediocre game. Wasnt bad by any stretch, but certainly didnt set the world on fire.

6) - Decent game. Didnt stand out, but contributed solidly to the team and did quite a few good things.

7)- Good game. Played their role and did it well. Contributed a lot to the team.

8) Great game. Was close to, if not, BOG.

9) Amazing game. Put on a masterclass and was clearly BOG. Colin Sylvia last year vs Hawks would be the last '9' game a Melboourne player has had according to my ratings.

10) Ridiculously good game. 10 goal performance or 50 odd midfield touches (to effect, ie not Dane Swan style). The sort of game that will make people purchase a DVD of, or be replayed endlessly on 'Brut Footy Flashbacks'. Usually only obtainable in a final.

Demon 86

19 Apr 2010, 13:32

Round Four 2010: Richmond Vs Melbourne MCG (55 point win:D)

Rating: 7.5/10
Kicks: 9
Handballs: 17
Marks: 4
Tackles: 3
Free Kicks: 3 for 0 against
Efficiency: 73%
Contested possessions: 8
Uncontested Possessions: 18
Clearances: 5
Clangers: 1
Assists: 2
TOG: 81%
Inside 50’s: 3

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 94 Points

Tom's best game for the club thus far. If Niknat hadn't of put on a masterclass on Friday night Tom would be a dead cert for a rising star nomination. Was amongst the best and earnt votes from many people. Seemed to be in amongst every pack, darting in and dishing off quick handpasses to teammates, the vast majority of which were effective. I hate bagging out Richmond when the whole city seems to do it non-stop BUT, it was a very young and inexperienced Richmond team so I wont be getting too carried away with his efforts. I expected given a lot of Richmond youngsters are small as well that he would have a good game and he certainly did not disappoint. BIG test against a quality midfield outfit next week in the Lions.

Pros:
- Very effective, both by hand and foot.
- Best game for the club so far, was damaging when he had the ball and got plenty of it.
- I keep droning on about it but his handball skills are elite.
- no frees against and only one clanger!

Cons:
- None.

Does he keep his spot?
Hell yes!

saj_21

20 Apr 2010, 10:40

Cons:
- None.

I would say the only con would of been a couple of nervous fumbles in the first half, but he turned it round quickly. Don't under estimate how much confidence his performance in the second half would of given him, regardless of the opposition.

Demon 86

26 Apr 2010, 16:03

Round Five 2010: Melbourne v Brisbane Lions MCG (50 point win:eek::D)

Rating: 7/10
Kicks: 6
Handballs: 8
Marks: 1 contested 2 uncontested
Tackles: 2
Free Kicks: 0
Efficiency: 71%
Contested possessions: 6
Uncontested Possessions: 8
Clearances: 2
Clangers: 0
Assists: 2
TOG: 83%
Inside 50’s: 4

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 76 Points

Another quality game from Tom. Played mainly on the wing with time on a forward flank and in the guts as well. Might not have racked up a tonne of the ball but what he did with it was quality. 4 inside 50 and 2 goal assists show how handy his possessions were. Every touch he got was creative and moves us forward in a positive manner. Plenty of Judd about his movement and disposal from what I can see.

One of the best plays of the game (caused mass pants staining in the MCG) was his goal in the last to well and truly seal the game. Took the ball from a tap from a boundary throw on the members side HFF, ran back and used his explosive burst to lose all in his wake and launched a beauty of a kick that the goal umpire didn't have to move for. Brought the house down.

Pros:
- very creative and involved in multiple scoring chains
- plenty of contested ball

Cons:
- Nit picking, but could get some more touches and tackles perhaps? :confused:

Does he keep his spot?
Definitely.

Demon 86

26 Apr 2010, 16:05

dKzSkpx9iCU

Still a long way to go: Scully(from MFC website)

EXCITEMENT machine Tom Scully says the Demons are not about to let recent good form get the best of them as the team looks ahead to a crucial round six clash with the Kangaroos.

Scully, wearing the famous number 31 guernsey of club legend Ron Barassi, had 14 touches, six contested possessions and a goal as the Demons rolled the Brisbane Lions by 50 points at the MCG.

Scully’s goal in the final quarter was his first in AFL football - a moment greeted with rapturous applause by a crowd of more than 36,000.

Article (http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/93005/default.aspx)

tynanshinin

2 May 2010, 18:50

thought he was good yesterday. Gave out some good releasing handballs.

Demon 86

4 May 2010, 09:00

Round Five 2010: Kangaroos v Melbourne @ Etihad (26 point loss)

Rating: 6.5/10
Kicks: 7
Handballs: 14
Marks: 4 uncontested
Tackles: 4
Free Kicks: 0
Efficiency: 76%
Contested possessions: 4
Uncontested Possessions: 17
Clearances: 1
Clangers: 4
Assists: 1
TOG: 81%
Inside 50’s: 2

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 62 Points

Another good game from Sculls, played mainly on the wing, with stints once again on a HFF and in the guts. Had 8 more disposals than last week, yet I dont rate his game as highly as the Brisbane game. And that has a lot to do with the pressure that North put on through the middle of the ground. They didn't allow much space for Tom and co to be as creative as last week, as evidenced by Tom having 2 less I50's, 1 less goal assist and no goals. Tom got more of the ball closer to the opposition F50 due to North pressure, which of course limited his opportunities to drive it inside 50.

Despite the 'cons' I'm pointing out, Tom was still an important player for the Dees on Saturday, and was one of the few players who tried to break the zone through the middle of the ground, but at this point his 77kg frame has its limitations and breaking tackles is one of them. But I absolutely love the way he breaks out of packs, draws defenders and releases ridiculously accurate handpasses that release teammates into space. I likened his lateral movement to that of Chris Judd in an earlier game review, but this quality is Gary Ablettesque.

Pros:
- got plenty of the ball
- increased tackle output from previous week
- tried to run and carry through the middle of the ground when others were pushing wide against our gameplan
- explosive pace and quick hands on display as always
- tough as nails and puts his head over the ball

Cons:
- 4 clangers
- less creative disposal than previous week (ie clearances, I50's)

Does he keep his spot?
Definitely.

Demon 86

8 May 2010, 11:19

Round Six 2010: Melbourne v Bulldogs @ MCG (3 point loss)

Rating: 8.5/10
Kicks: 19
Handballs: 20
Marks: 4 uncontested
Tackles: 5
Free Kicks: 4 for and 2 against
Efficiency: 59%
Contested possessions: 15
Uncontested Possessions: 23
Clearances: 8
Clangers: 7
Assists: 1
TOG: 82%
Inside 50’s: 6

DT Score: ? Points
SC Score: 129 Points

Wow. So.... Wow.

BOG. First up, no disputing that (well Gia might but STFU). Again, played on the wing with stints in the middle and on the HFF. Got severe leather poisoning from his 39 touches. I dont even know where to begin. Scully was everywhere last night. I wish someone GPS'd him as I reckon he covered a record amount of ground- and with ease. Fittest player in the comp. I think he had 18 (could be wrong) in the last quarter :eek:

Seriously- I dont know how to explain his game, it was excellent, he made a few mistakes which was expected given the conditions, but stood up when we needed him and played brilliantly! May get 3 brownlow votes and will definitely be rising star for the round!

Pros:
- 39 touches
- had a tag put on him :D
- broke lines
- tackled hard

Cons:
- efficiency and clangers- though he has an acceptable excuse (weather)

Does he keep his spot?
Of course

Demon 86

11 May 2010, 12:45

Scully's star rises even higher

A SUPERB 39-possession game from Tom Scully has earned him this week's nomination for the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Scully, who turns 19 this Saturday, was taken by Melbourne with the first pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft and has played every game this year for an average of 21 disposals.

He is the second Demon to be nominated this year, following Jack Trengove in round five.

While his stellar performance on the big stage of Friday night against the Western Bulldogs didn't quite get his team home, it was as emphatic an announcement of arrival as you could wish for - Scully's last term produced an amazing 18 touches.

With the match in the balance, it was an effort that lifted a good game into the realms of great.

Overall, his 39 disposals included seven clearances, five tackles and a goal.

Article (http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/94035/default.aspx)

Demon 86

20 May 2010, 09:28

Round Seven 2010: Melbourne v West Coast @ MCG (29 point loss)

Rating: 5/10
Kicks: 11
Handballs: 11
Marks: 2 uncontested
Tackles: 3
Free Kicks: 0
Efficiency: 59%
Contested possessions: 4
Uncontested Possessions: 18
Clearances: 4
Clangers: 7
Assists: 0
TOG: 83%
Inside 50’s: 4
Goals: 1 goal 1 behind.

SC Score: 59 Points

What a shocking game for all involved. A must win game down the drain. Tom played once again on the wing and in the middle. His kicking was no good. Wont mince my words here- it was very ordinary. His 4 inside 50's were all clangers which went down the throat of opposition players. I think a little more composure (understandably) will do Tom a world of good as his kicking skills are solid, its his decision making that sometimes lets him down IMO.

I wont dwell on the match as it was no fun for anyone, and I'm sure Sculls will bounce back strong.

Pros:
- got plenty of the ball
- again- tried to run and carry through the middle of the ground when others were pushing wide against our gameplan
- an ordinary game for Tom still involves 22 disposals- usually when a Melbourne mid has a bad game they go missing completely and dont touch it. Stange pro? Maybe. But it shows how he could at any moment turn a game as he is constantly involved.

Cons:
- 7 clangers
- disposal efficiency very low. Almost all his clangers were kicks.

Does he keep his spot?
Yes.

Demon 86

22 May 2010, 15:56

Gotta feeling despite the inhospitable conditions, or rather due to them, Scully will dominate tonight. His tank is made for tough conditions. Look out for a massive second half from him :thumbsu:

LITTLE STINGA

7 Sep 2010, 23:59

Showed why he was the No1 pick. Shaded a touch by Trengove in the first half of the year but was definately better than him in the second half of the season finishing the second half of the season off strongly. Has pace, is very good at carrying the ball and has a massive engine. His disposal is a bit sloppy though. 7\10

Demon 86

27 May 2011, 11:21

I like many others, tapered off on these reviews last year. Will make sure that doesnt happen this year!

Scully to play for Casey this weekend, any sort of performance should see him in for the Dees nexrt Friday v the bombers. Great to have him back!

Demon 86

30 May 2011, 10:51

TOM Scully has put his hand up for a senior recall after a successful comeback in the VFL.
Scully dominated in his first competitive hit-out since injuring his left knee in the pre-season, racking up 19 possessions and one goal for Melbourne's VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions.

"I'm glad I got through unscathed and blew out a few cobwebs, so I'm feeling good." Scully said.

The Melbourne midfielder said his left knee had stood up well to the rigours of a match.

"The knee is feeling really good, but I won't know the full extent of how it pulls up until tomorrow.

"Definitely I'll put my hand up. My knee was good enough to get through today and I got through pretty well, so if I train well this week, then it will be up to the coaches."

Scully played about 60 per cent of game time yesterday in Casey's loss to Williamstown at Werribee.

He showed no signs of soreness, ran well and slotted a great goal early in the second quarter.

Article (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tom-scully-could-return-for-melbourne-next-week-after-impressive-return/story-e6frf9jf-1226064752087)

Demon 86

6 Jun 2011, 09:32

Demon 86

6 Jun 2011, 09:55

Round Eleven 2011: Essendon v Melbourne @ MCG (33 point win)

Rating: 7.5/10
Kicks: 12
Handballs: 12
Marks: 3 uncontested
Tackles: 6
Free Kicks: 0 for and 0 against
Efficiency: 63%
Contested possessions: 7
Uncontested Possessions: 17
Clearances: 8
Clangers: 6
Assists: 1
TOG: 80% (guess)
Inside 50’s: 5
Goals: 1.1

DT Score: 100 Points
SC Score: 91 Points

Amazing first up performance from Sculls- especially given his lengthy lay off. There have been some class players this season struggle in their first couple of games back from injury- but not Tom. He is a natural freak athlete, and came back in and ran as hard as ever. He is without a doubt the crowd favourite (behind maybe only Jurrah when he's on song), as his first touch (an ordinary kick that just hit his target) was greeted by rapturous applause by the members- myself included. It's hard not to get excited by this kid everytime he goes near it- it goes without saying he has to stay.

Anyway I don't have the stats, but Scully gained the 4th most metres of any player on the field Friday night, testament to his hard work. His run and carry has been sorely missed, and was at it's best straight away. As expected, Tom's kicking wasn't amazing. He has 6 clangers, and I would suggest most of them were by foot. Everyone expected some rust, and as kicking is something that Tom isn't as brilliant as your Tapscotts etc at. The he works though- he will be one day.

Overall a fantastic first up performance by someone is was 'underdone'. Some may say I'm harsh for giving him a 7.5, but if you have a geeze at my rating system you'll hopefully understand why. If this is what he capable of after an hour of VFL football- it's scary to think what he'll do when he's had a few games in the legs this year.

Pros:
- 24 touches
- 4th most metres gained
- broke lines
- tackled hard

Cons:
- efficiency and clangers- they weren't terrible but is an area for improvement

Does he keep his spot?
Of course- I think this question will be removed from future reviews :p

Logger

6 Jun 2011, 11:53

Does he keep his spot?
Of course- I think this question will be removed from future reviews :p

Maybe replace it with "Does he stay at Melbourne?" rated according to the latest rumour-mongering in the press?

Demon 86

6 Jun 2011, 13:09

Haha nah I'd do my own head in doing that! ;)

Demon 86

14 Jun 2011, 16:43

Round Twelve 2011: Melbourne v Collingwood @ MCG (88 point loss:()

Rating: 7/10
Disposals: 29 (9 contested & 20 uncontested)
Kicks: 10
Handballs: 19
Marks: 5 uncontested
Tackles: 6
Free Kicks: 0 for and 2 against
Efficiency: 62%
Clearances: 4
Clangers: 3
Assists: 1
Inside 50’s: 2
Goals: 0.1

DT Score: ?? Points
SC Score: 91 Points

Well it's very hard for me to write this review as I watched most of the game on Monday with either my head in my hands or from the bar in the MCC. What a horrible, horrible day. Scully however, was pretty good it must be said. Leading disposal getter for the Dees, he had one of those typical Scully days where he racks up disposals around the packs and gets touches you don't really notice when watching.

He was one of our better players on a dark, dark day. His disposal was again questionable, and he didn't really damage the opposition like he did against the Bombers. Having very little support certainly didn't help, nor did our lack of forward targets after we'd given up and pushed Watts etc behind the ball. Must really suck when you burst out of a pack, look up and see nothing at all to kick too!

Lets hope Sculls gets to play in a winning team next week coz none of us can handle another debacle like Monday.

Pros:
- 29 touches
- never gave up and ran hard (traits sorely lacking in many of his teammates)
- 6 tackles
Cons:
- efficiency level was again not fantastic.

Demon 86

20 Jun 2011, 11:03

Round Thirteen 2011: Melbourne v Fremantle @ MCG (89 point win:D)

Rating: 7/10
Disposals: 26 (9 contested & 17 uncontested)
Kicks: 9
Handballs: 17
Marks: 1 uncontested
Tackles: 4
Free Kicks: 2 for and 0 against
Efficiency: 69%
Clearances: 6
Clangers: 1
Assists: 1
Inside 50’s: 2
Goals: 0.0

DT Score: ?? Points
SC Score: 89 Points

The Jekyll and Hyde team of the AFL marched on to a lovely 89 point win- marking a staggering 177 point turnaround in a week against two teams that finished top 5 last year (though of course the situation is nowhere near as simple as that!).

One constant throughout both games however, has been Tom Scully. He is remarkably consistent for such a young and inexperienced player. He shows composure, toughness and determination rarely seen in such a young player. But we all know this! Onto the Freo game...

One AFL writer said that Scully 'lit the fuse', and though it wasn't him alone doing so the comment has plenty of merit. Scully was absolutely everywhere early, gathering 7 disposals in as many minutes at the start of the game. He helped set the tone early, and despite not really cashing in on the junk time offerings in the second half to me he was one of the better players.

Pros:
- 26 touches
- electric opening set the tone for the game
- lightning hands in packs are GAJ like
- efficiency lifted to 69%

Cons:
- Not getting involved on the scoreboard when it was party time!
- Couple of ordinary clangers

Demon 86

28 Jun 2011, 09:20

Round Fourteen 2011: Richmond vs Melbourne @ MCG (28 point win)

Rating: 7.5/10
Disposals: 26 (14 contested & 12 uncontested)
Kicks: 11
Handballs: 15
Marks: 1 uncontested
Tackles: 5
Free Kicks: 3 for and 0 against
Efficiency: 62%
Clearances: 3
Clangers: 3
Assists: 0
Inside 50’s: 5
Goals: 0.0

SC Score: 93 Points

The rollercoaster ends! For now anyway. A lovely, hard fought 29 point win against a (Victorian) team that is up and about was just what we needed. Melbourne tackling on Saturday was ferocious- and Scully contributed with 5 of his own, including a couple that resulted in holding the ball frees.

This year, Scully has been remarkably consistent, as evidenced by his stats and SC points being nearly identical each week. But his 5 inside 50's, 5 tackles, and presence around the packs this week were excellent. He was tagged heavily by Edwards for the most part of the game, and struggled to get involved early. But as per usual his ridiculous endurance and ability to keep his pace at the same level even in the dying minutes meant that he burnt his tag eventually.

Pros:
- plenty of the ball again
- more contested ball this week
- great tackling
- broke his tag and did it fairly early

Cons:
- Couple of ordinary clangers
- disposal efficiency 62% which isn't great

Demon 86

11 Jul 2011, 13:12

Round Fifteen 2011: Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne @ MCG (64 point loss)

Rating: 5.5/10
Disposals: 17 (6 contested & 11 uncontested)
Kicks: 2
Handballs: 15
Marks: 1 uncontested
Tackles: 10
Free Kicks: 0 for and 1 against
Efficiency: 59%
Clearances: 1
Clangers: 2
Assists: 0
Inside 50’s: 0
Goals: 0.0

SC Score: 73 Points

A belated review, due to me being busy and not wanting to remember anything about this game. The less said the better- thus the short review.

Tom was unable to impact the contest offensively in any manner of note, he only had two kicks, 1 clearance and zero inside 50s. Definitely not his best game for the club, and definitely a stark contrast to his last game against the dogs.

To his credit, he got 10 tackles which is impressive. You can never fault his work rate and he tried hard to get involved but was well held by Liam Picken- who has held better players than Scully to less over the last couple of years.

Pros:
- 10 tackles
- never gave up

Cons:
- kick to handball ratio
- disposal efficiency 59% which is poor when almost all touches are by hand
- no clearances, assists, inside 50s

Demon 86

12 Jul 2011, 10:27

Greater Western Sydney tables $1m offer for Tom Scully

THE Tom Scully puzzle has deepened with the revelation Greater Western Sydney has made a formal offer to the Melbourne midfielder.

Scully's management group, Velocity Sports, has confirmed the offer, believed to be as much as $1 million a year for five years.

And today, Giants chief executive Dale Holmes indicated the club had already sought commitment from three or four players.

Neither Velocity's Peter Blucher nor GWS's head of football Graham Allan would discuss the money or the term of the contract.

Blucher told the Herald Sun: "Melbourne upped the ante significantly a couple of weeks ago and we invited them (GWS) to put something in writing to us, which they've done.

"We haven't told Tom what it is only that it's substantial and it warrants due consideration."

"You couldn't accept one (offer) without at least knowing what the other one was," Blucher said.

The latest development suggests the youngster's future remains in the balance, despite a broad view in football he already is committed to the new franchise from 2012.

Melbourne, though, will be heartened by the news, given it recently made him an offer, believed to be in the order of $3 million for five years.

Link (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/greater-western-sydney-tables-1m-offer-for-tom-scully/story-e6frf9jf-1226092665707)

Thought I'd include here as it's the first non-speculation only piece about his future to be written!

Demon 86

19 Jul 2011, 12:27

Round Seventeen 2011: Melbourne v Port @ TIO Darwin (21 point win)

Rating: 4/10
Disposals: 13 (5 contested & 13 uncontested)
Kicks: 7
Handballs: 6
Marks: 1 contested
Tackles: 4
Free Kicks: 0 for and 1 against
Efficiency: 62%
Clearances: 1
Clangers: 4
Assists: 1
Inside 50’s: 0
Goals: 0.1

SC Score: 38 Points

Tom was without a doubt handed a football lesson that he will learn from courteousy of the one the best taggers in the business. Kane Cornes may be well past his best, but his ability to negate a player is still top notch and he held Scully perfectly. Cornes had 26 touches of his own (not overly damaging though) whilst holding Sculls to what I think is a career low of 13.

In Scully's defence he was subbed off around 3 quarter time with a slight knock to the knee, but I reckon he was a chance (albeit a small one) to be given the red vest anyway. He struggled at the stoppages, and Melbourne time honoured practice of never blocking and shepperding for players being tagged didn't help him.

Scully being the ultimate professional that he is will no doubt re-watch this game 100 times to learn as much as he possibily can- and he should too. He will be tagged for the rest of his career (particuarly if he goes to GWS) so it's something he'll have to (and will) learn to beat. I'm happy that it happened in a game that we were very little chance of losing despite him being ineffective, and see this as a positive learning experience.

Pros:
- Will learn from this experience

Cons:
- tagged out of game
- disposal efficiency 62% which is poor and 4 of 13 touches were clangers
- knock to knee- should be nothing but still concerning

Demon 86

12 Aug 2011, 09:21

Round Twenty 2011: Carlton v Melbourne @ MCG(76 point loss)

Rating: 5/10
Disposals: 20 (14 contested & 6 uncontested)
Kicks: 5
Handballs: 15
Marks: 2 uncontested
Tackles: 6
Free Kicks: 1 for and 1 against
Efficiency: 65%
Clearances: 3
Clangers: 3
Assists: 0
Inside 50’s: 0
Goals: 0.2

SC Score: 80 Points

Another terrible day for the Melbourne Football Club- despite Brad 'Skirt' Green claiming in a press conference that he was proud that we 'didn't get blown away'. Oh really Brad? WTF is a blowout then you chump? Is 186+ only considered a blowout now and 10 goal plus losses are just normal losses?

Bit I digress! I thought Scully wasn't bad considering he was first up after 3 weeks out with his troublesome knee again. It wasn't the sort of day a young midfielder could expect to enjoy- any date with Judd and co never ends well. Scully got a lot of hardball but couldnt find time and space to use it constructively- as evidenced by his 5 kicks and 15 handballs. Had he converted his two (half) chances at goal we would probably be saying he was one of our best with Wattsy, but that's just how it goes.

I expect him to play at least one elite game from our last 4 as I think he's been building towards it for a while. Hopefully it's against WC as it's very much a must win game.

Pros:
- Battled hard all day
- Plenty of contested ball which is great for an undersized midget
- 6 tackles

Cons:
- kick to handball ratio
- disposal efficiency average again

Demon 86

15 Aug 2011, 13:52

Round Twenty-One 2011: Melbourne v WCE @ Etihad(48 point loss)

Rating: 5/10
Disposals: 18 (8 contested & 10 uncontested)
Kicks: 8
Handballs: 10
Marks: 2 uncontested
Tackles: 4
Free Kicks: 2 for and 2 against
Efficiency: 67%
Clearances: 5
Clangers: 3
Assists: 0
Inside 50’s: 1
Goals: 0.0

SC Score: 60 Points

Tagged all day by the impressive young Scott Selwood, Scully struggled to impact the game in a meaningful manner. He had his bursts where his amazing running ability would carry him to contests he had no right to get to, but these bursts were unfortunately intermittent. Scott Selwood has held better players to less but at the end of the day Scully will need to learn how to better deal with a tag- especially if he moves north to felafel town.

When Scully did get his mits on it his disposal was as it usually is, fairly mediocre. His quick hands out of packs help create plays but his inability to hurt the opposition by foot at this point is clearly his number one deficiency. If he can improve his kicking (and there's no reason why he can't) and learn to break a tag he will be an absolute star- but there's a way to go yet...

Pros:
- creates play but getting ball at bottom of packs
- ran hard as per usual

Cons:
- kick to handball ratio
- disposal efficiency average again
- the two above 'cons' have appeared in nearly very review

Mentor

15 Aug 2011, 21:41

Kick to handball was a big improvement on last week still no? still more kicks than handballs would be nice

Demon 86

15 Aug 2011, 23:52

Yeah it was definitely an improvement, but as you mentioned it needs to be higher. All the elite mids want to kick the ball and make the play- Scully needs to (and will) get that mindset one day to be a great.

Demon 86

24 Aug 2011, 11:45

Round Twenty-Two 2011: Melbourne v Richmond @ MCG(7 point loss)

Rating: 5/10
Disposals: 16 (8 contested & 8 uncontested)
Kicks: 5
Handballs: 11
Marks: 2 uncontested
Tackles: 3
Free Kicks: 0 for and 0 against
Efficiency: 69%
Clearances: 0
Clangers: 2
Assists: 1
Inside 50’s: 2
Goals: 0.0

SC Score: 76 Points

Another underwhelming performance by Scully on Sunday. He is clearly not 100% as his famous work rate is down on it's normally elite level. Admittedly due to it being a fairly close game I didnt concentrate on Scully like I normally do, but he appeared to be matched up on Shane Edwards who usually keeps his opponents pretty honest.

I think Scully is cooked for 2011- I would be happy to see him get rested from here on in (if that is going to help his knee) and a player such as Jetta given a couple of games to show his wares. If rest isn't going to help then by all means play on but ultimately we should be looking out for his long-term interests.

Pros:
- on an off day, he still gets 16 touches

Cons:
- kick to handball ratio
- disposal efficiency average again
- looks injured

Mentor

24 Aug 2011, 15:14

Regardless of how Scully is playing, i still appreciate the review mate, you have done a good job, and yeah i can understand how hard it is focusing on him for long periods, i generally look at the centre bounce set up and who ever is in the forward or defence at my end of the ground then lose it after the first clearance....

Demon 86

24 Aug 2011, 21:37

Cheers mate- yeah it's tough focusing on one player when the game is interesting! Hopefully there's more than two Scully games to review from now but not looking good...

Demon 86

29 Aug 2011, 10:55

Round Twenty Three 2011: Melbourne v Gold Coast @ MCG (30 point win)

Rating: 6.5/10
Disposals: 19 (11 contested & 8 uncontested)
Kicks: 7
Handballs: 12
Marks: 2 uncontested
Tackles: 6
Free Kicks: 1 for and 1 against
Efficiency: 79%
Clearances: 6
Clangers: 1
Assists: 0
Inside 50’s: 1
Goals: 0.1

SC Score: 90 Points

I have read some people claim that Tom looks disinterested and that he isn't trying as he is already gone- wtf game were you watching? Tom was great yesterday- at the bottom of every pack, running to every contest, and hitting targets by hand and foot.

The smaller bodies of the GC almost took Tom's disadvantage out of the equation. Sure the Abletts and Rischetelli's are as sizable as anyone else, but when the second tier mids were on Tom no longer looked outsized at every contest. 6 clearances, 11 contested possessions and a 79% (PB) disposal effiency point to a much better game from Tom. Admittedly against weaker opposition, but still great to see.

Whilst I'm at it has anyone noticed that from day one Tom has always looked 100% focussed on the game and rarely smiles or gets excited? That doesn't mean he's going to GWS (though I think he is) it's just how he is you morons! I'm getting so sick of stupid supporters claiming that every time Tom doesn't smile or give 20 high 5s it means he's going! No it doesn't! That is his persona- deal with it! Sure when he leaves these people will claim that they were right- but watch him for the rest of his career no matter what colour jumper he's wearing he will never be one to get emotional on the field. /rant.

Pros:
- contested ball
- disposal efficiency
- tackles & clearance work

Cons:
- probably could have got more of the ball

Gazza_11

30 Aug 2011, 18:29

If they want athletes that are all about high 5s, try these two:

http://media1.santabanta.com/full/cricket/harbhajan%20singh/har5v.jpg

http://images.smh.com.au/2010/07/22/1709507/murali_main-420x0.jpg

Logger

30 Aug 2011, 19:30

The top one will even high five the face of teammates he doesn't like :p

Demon 86

12 Sep 2011, 09:35

TOM Scully will announce his intention to join Greater Western Sydney at a media conference in Sydney today. The Melbourne midfielder is believed to have agreed to an offer for the next six years for an estimated $6 million.

Scully, 20, and his family flew to Sydney yesterday for the announcement.

Melbourne officials were to be advised of the move this morning.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tom-scully-signs-with-greater-western-sydney/story-fn69a32t-1226134024795

Very disapointing. Have (obviously) been following him very closely throughout his career and truely don't believe this is a good decision for his football. Good decision for his sky rocket yes, but he is nowhere near ready to shoulder the burden of a teams midfield...