Tom Scully Biography

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson admits he tried to talk Tom Scully out of retirement but says the Hawks winger's body was no longer able to handle the rigours of AFL football.

"Tom didn't get drafted until he was 18, but to actually know the lad and his family, you'd probably know he started preparing to be an AFL footballer when he was about 10 or 12 years of age," Clarkson said.

"Most players in terms of the professionalism of the game really crank it up when they're 17 or 18. By the time (Scully) gets to 29 ... he's just cooked. If you can't be 100 per cent (committed) in this caper ... unfortunately it had to be all-out because he couldn't commit himself to what was required to continue on with the game."

After spending the last three weeks on leave from training due to personal circumstances, Tom Scully informs his Hawthorn teammates of his decision to walk away from AFL football.

Tom Scully has been granted leave from training with the Hawks to deal with a personal issue.

"Tom has requested time off from his football commitments due to personal circumstances. Hawthorn is fully supportive of Tom's request and remains in regular communication with Tom to provide him with any support required," a Hawthorn spokesperson said.

Hawthorn has programmed a customised training regime for Tom Scully to ensure he ekes more time out of his career in the mold of previous club stalwarts.

Scully, 28, is entering his second season as a Hawk and appears primed to reward them for the punt they took on him, after putting the worst of his career-threatening ankle injury behind him.

"I'm hopeful that we'll see a much more productive Tom Scully this year, albeit we still need to manage him and he'll never train like he used to when he was a 21-year-old," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"We've had really good success with Shaun (Burgoyne), 'Hodgey', 'Roughy' (Jarryd Roughead), Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis. We just had to educate them to train differently in the last four or five years of their career to give them an extra year or two."

GWS CEO Dave Matthews says the club is delighted that former Giant Tom Scully will make his AFL return this week for Hawthorn despite the club trading him for basically nothing.

"He's a fantastic young man who made a very courageous decision to leave Melbourne and join the Giants (for the 2012 season) and he was a foundation player of our club," Matthews said.

"Some factors including Tom's injury at the time and some family circumstances and other things, it meant the trade reflected how both clubs saw him medically at the time.

"I don't look back with any sort of regret. You can only make the decisions on the information that's in front of you, but I'm really pleased to see him up and going."

Tom Scully will make his debut for Hawthorn in what some consider to be a miraculous return from the horrific right ankle injury he suffered in round two of 2018.

"There's been a lot of commentary around when I would return and when I would play again," Scully said.

"But for me, I haven't really been focused on that. I've had a pretty clear plan from the outset outlined by the guys here at Hawthorn.

"I've had great confidence that I would get back and this week is another step forward."

Tom Scully remains without a return date in mind – other than wanting to play at some stage in 2019.

"It's going to be a long process, but one I'm confident that I can get right," he said about his recovery from a serious ankle injury.

"Obviously, the Hawks are really confident as well that, managed well, I can be back playing footy next year, which is my ultimate aim."

Tom Scully says he is confident he will make a full recovery from the ankle injury that partly contributed to his surprise departure from Greater Western Sydney.

"I had a clean-up of my ankle about eight weeks ago and that's all progressing really well," he said.

"I have a long road ahead of me with my recovery and rehabilitation, but I'll put the work in and I have full confidence in the medical staff that they can get it right."

Scully says he is excited about being back in Victoria and joining Hawthorn.

"There was the family pull and no doubt a club like Hawthorn was very attractive to come and play for. They're a powerhouse of the competition and I have watched them with great envy," Scully said.

Tom Scully is traded by the Giants to the Hawks for a 2019 fourth-round selection.

Complications around Scully's recovery from a broken right ankle, on top of Greater Western Sydney's salary cap woes, meant arriving at an appropriate value was difficult.

"He's an exceptional player and his endurance and work rate is second-to-none. Tom will help to boost our midfield stocks; offering the depth and versatility we were looking to add," Hawthorn football boss Graham Wright said.

"We understand Tom has been suffering with an ankle injury, however we are fully confident our medical team will help get him back to full fitness."

Greater Western Sydney list manager Jason McCartney says Tom Scully is still weighing up his future amidst speculation of a potential move back to Melbourne.

"We've had some chats with the Hawthorn footy club around that, but there's a fair bit to play out," McCartney said.

"He is very happy if he stays and serves (out) his contract with the Giants."

Tom Scully looks set to be the Giants' latest sacrifice as it attempts to find a way out of its salary cap squeeze.

Scully has reportedly told the Giants of his wish to return to Victoria and is keen to play for Hawthorn in 2019 after undergoing a medical examination with the Hawks.

St Kilda makes an approach to Tom Scully's management as the Greater Western Sydney midfielder considers a trade back to Victoria, with Hawthorn as his preference.

"We think Tom would be an absolutely perfect fit for us," Saints list manager James Gallagher confirmed.

"Tom has made it pretty clear through his management that there are only a couple of clubs he'd be interested in going to and it's those in his opinion that are closest to a premiership.

"But if that changes, we're certainly open to having a conversation with Tom."

Tom Scully's horror 2018 season is officially over.

After missing the JLT Community Series with a knee issue, the 27-year-old fractured the fibula in his right ankle and suffered a syndesmosis injury after being caught in an awkward tackle in the opening quarter against the Magpies in round two.

The Giants initially hoped he would return in the second half of the season after recovering from surgery, but Scully's rehabilitation hasn't gone to plan, and any faint hopes he had of getting back before the finals have been dashed.

"You try and remove yourself from the emotion of it all. Once I processed it, I had to think about what's best for my future moving forward," Scully said.

"I can't get away from the fact that it was a pretty traumatic injury.

"As much as I'd love to say that I can still play a part in the season and contribute to the team, we came to a point where we had to be realistic."

Tom Scully will miss 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his broken right ankle.

Tom Scully fractures his right ankle in the opening quarter of the Giants' clash against Collingwood at the MCG.

Scully was rushed to hospital in the MCG's third ambulance of the day after his leg was trapped under a Callum Brown tackle.

Champion Data confirms that Tom Scully is in a class of his own when it comes to gut-running.

He completely dominated the field when it came to the most distance covered at high speed, posting the top 12 performances in the competition across the entire season.

"Tom Scully is a freak runner and he can cover the ground at speed," this year's AFL Prospectus, published by Champion Data, said.

Josh Kelly caps off an outstanding 2017 season, taking home the Kevin Sheedy Medal as the Giants' 2017 Club Champion.

Kelly finished 26 ahead of co-captain and 2012 Kevin Sheedy Medallist Callan Ward on 172 votes. Fellow co-captain Phil Davis (153 votes), 2017 Virgin Australia All Australian Dylan Shiel (152 votes) and running machine Tom Scully (137 votes) rounded out the top five.

“There’s no doubt Josh took his game to a new level this year playing a variety of roles and playing with a high level of consistency," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

“He was part of our leadership group for the first time this year and everyone at the Giants admires his dedication to the club and playing group."

Toby Greene caps off a breakout season in 2016 by winning the Kevin Sheedy Medal as Greater Western Sydney's player of the year.

Greene averaged 21.3 possessions per game playing as a high half-forward, kicked 44 goals, was ranked equal second in the League for goal assists, and third for inside 50s during the regular season.

The 23-year-old finished a thrilling count just three votes ahead of wingman Tom Scully, with fellow onballer Stephen Coniglio third.

"I honestly can't believe I've won this medal," Greene said.

"It's such a privilege to be named amongst the best players that this club has got is such an honour."

Tom Scully signs a four-year extension with Greater Western Sydney but at an amount signficant less than his original contract.

Scully, the former Demon, is in the fifth year of a $6 million, six-year deal, but it has been reported that his new contract will be for $500,000 a year.

Already contracted until the end of 2017, Scully's new deal ensures he will be with the Giants for the first 10 years of their existence, tied to the club until 2021.

"As someone who has been here from the beginning, it was an easy decision to make and I’m excited about what lies ahead for the club both on and off the field," Scully said.

"I love this club and I love Sydney. I love playing football with my teammates and I love coming to work every day."

Tom Scully says he wants to stay at the Giants for a potentially successful era to come.

"I've certainly got intentions to stay on," Scully said.

"I knew coming up here on a long-term deal that I was in for the long haul and I don't really think about it too much.

"We've all put a lot of time and effort into trying to help this footy club grow and develop and I'd like to think that I'll be around for quite a long time."

Callan Ward and key defender Phil Davis will co-captain GWS for a fifth-straight season, but Shane Mumford and Tom Scully have made way for four new additions to the group.

Reigning club champion Heath Shaw will again support Ward and Davis, who have shared the skipper's role since the Giants entered the competition in 2012.

Gun midfielders Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith, and defender Matt Buntine, all 22-year-old Giants' 'originals', have been given a spot on the leadership team for the first time.

"We've had young guys who have been doing leadership stuff for four years that they've been here and they're ready to step in," Ward said.

"We didn't want the group too large, and seven is the perfect number for us.

"We've got four fifth-year players who are terrific leaders, terrific men; that's what we're about at this football club, great men and great people so I think it's really good signs for us.

"They'll fill the shoes really well."

Tom Scully believes he's found the perfect place to call home at the Giants, and couldn't be happier ahead of game 100.

"I've really enjoyed my time since coming to Sydney and I think this club is fantastic," Scully said.

"For me being up here, just going about my business, it's certainly been the best thing for me and my football.

"Once I came up here and made the decision I knew I was going to be here for a long time, I haven't looked back.

"I feel really comfortable with where everything is at in terms of my football, and my life outside."

Tom Scully suffers a pre-season setback, with an ankle injury to keep him sidelined until at least late in the NAB Challenge.

Tom Scully says he's determined to deliver consistent performances for Greater Western Sydney as the Giants seek to stamp themselves as genuine finals contenders.

"My fitness is feeling as good as ever. I feel like I'm running well and my strength has improved as well," Scully said.

"I feel I'm at a stage now, coming into my sixth year, my body's used to it so it's a matter of me playing consistent football."

GWS will stick with co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis who will share in the leadership of the club in 2015.

Tom Scully and Heath Shaw have been reappointed as vice-captains, while Shane Mumford remains in the leadership group.

"To go into our fourth year with a virtually unchanged leadership group speaks volumes about the stability and maturity of the club and is a tremendous endorsement of our leaders," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

"Callan and Phil have developed into outstanding young leaders on and off the field and are ably supported by Tom, Heath and Shane."

Giants coach Leon Cameron publicly supports Tom Scully, moving to debunk public perception that he's overpaid.

"Tom is a running machine. His defensive side of the game is extraordinary," Cameron told the Herald Sun.

"He is the best by a country mile at two-way running I have ever seen.

"To the kid's credit, you constantly get stones thrown at you and it's easy to give up and roll over but he never complains," he said.

"He knows he has copped a bit. Yes, he is an easy target and as a coach that disappoints you because we have 45 other players."

Tom Scully will undergo surgery on the lateral ligament in his knee and will miss the rest of the year.

"While we obviously would have liked Tom to play the rest of the season, the medical advice is for him to undergo surgery now and the welfare of the player must always come first," GWS football manager Graeme Allan said.

"We expect Tom to be ready to resume training for the pre-season later in the year."

Phil Davis and Callan Ward are retained as GWS co-captains in 2014 with Heath Shaw joining Tom Scully as vice-captains of the club.

Shane Mumford and Stephen Gilham round out the leadership group.

"I don't know what the media in Melbourne think about Heath, because they always seem to be on his back, but he's been unbelievable," Davis said about Shaw.

"What they thought he was going to provide has been nowhere near what he's actually been able to do.

"He's been enormous for our footy club and he's just a natural leader, people are drawn to him, he's an infectious character, he leads by example and sets good standards."

GWS coach Leon Cameron says Tom Scully is an underrated player who will stamp himself as a dominant player of the competition with time.

"I thought Tom Scully went under the radar," Cameron said.

"It took him a couple of years to settle, but coming into his third year at our club the improvement is there and he's heading in the right direction.

"I think in 15 years time a lot of people will remember the name Tom Scully and for the right reasons."

As scrutiny over GWS vice-captain Tom Scully increases, GWS co-captain says there is no doubting Scully's defensive capabilities.

"Defensively I think Tom's probably the best I've ever played with. If you look at the tackle count, which I don't think the media looks at too much, he's on top at this footy club," Ward said.

"I can't question Tom's effort and his form has actually been really good. All the players love playing with him."

A newspaper article labels Tom Scully a "bust" as a No. 1 draft pick but GWS coach Kevin Sheedy says he has full faith the midfielder will come good.

"This guy will work through it and it will steel him for being a wonderful player for the Giants within two years. When he's starting to rack up 90-100 games, look out," Sheedy said.

"I just keep telling him, 'Suck it in mate because one day you're going to be a champion'."

Greater Western Sydney name Tom Scully as vice-captain to co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis.

"I certainly wasn't expecting this, but I'm very humbled to be voted by my teammates as vice-captain," Scully said in a statement.

"Since coming to the Giants I think my leadership is something which has really improved.

"Obviously being one of the players with a bit more experience in the squad is a unique thing in itself especially being so young myself.

"I think it has helped me mature a lot more as a person and as a footballer. It's something that I have really embraced."

GWS head of development Al McConnell says Tom Scully is set to take his game to the next level in 2013.

"His composure in training, his leadership, his direction, his status in the group, has really gone to another level in comparison to last year's pre-season," McConnell said.

"He's training with a real composure and a belief he can take his game to another level ... in terms of his composure and the way he carries himself. It's been very evident and very positive. He just has a greater air of confidence about him."

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy says people will soon forget Tom Scully played for Melbourne.

"Sooner or later it will be like Anthony Rocca (for Collingwood) on Anzac Day against Essendon, everybody forgets he was actually selected by Sydney," Sheedy said.

"Tom Scully is basically a first-year player and his 30 games playing at Melbourne before he came over to us wouldn't have been a hell of a lot.

"He's learning and building up his body to get a bigger frame and all that sort of development that you do is probably going to come between 20 and 24."

Ahead of the Demons' match against GWS, Melbourne president Don McLardy acknowledges former captain James McDonald's contribution to the club but fails to find similar praise for Tom Scully.

"GWS do have a couple of players out there who know a bit about the MCG. They used to run around wearing the red and blue. Most notable is our former captain James McDonald who is a great servant of our footy club," McLardy said.

"I touched base with James yesterday and I wished him all the best for his first game against the team he represented so magnificently for 200 games."

Mark Neeld denies the Demons have special plans for Tom Scully when they meet the Giants, saying the former Demon is just another opponent.

"I haven't met Tom," Neeld said.

"[He] seems like a young talented player who runs a fair bit, [has] got good skills and he is playing for the opposition on Saturday."

Nathan Jones believes Tom Scully will be unruffled by his return to the MCG to face his former teammates.

"Maybe he could throw a few dollars my way. That will be one of the questions I'll ask," Jones said.

"It's going to be good fun, I guess. He's going to be another enemy when we get on the ground and just another GWS player."

Tom Scully expects a hostile reception when he faces Melbourne, but hopes Demon fans have moved on after his departure.

"Obviously I understand that it'll be a pretty hostile reception," he said.

"But I'm just looking forward to getting down there and it's a great opportunity for the boys to get down to Melbourne and play at the MCG for the first time, which is exciting for the group."

Top pick Tom Scully has formed a close relationship with teammate and fellow No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton.

"We've come through similar paths and I like to have a chat to him about how he's going with it all," Scully said.

"Being a number one pick as well, I've tried to give him a bit of advice on what to expect and how to handle it and pass on my experiences.

"We also both came off injuries leading into our first season. I had a knee injury as well and missed a fair chunk of pre-season, although I was lucky to play early on.

"There's so much external expectation on him, but I just told him to remain focused and get his rehab right."

Tom Scully will miss Greater Western Sydney's AFL debut with a facial fracture.

"While it is obviously disappointing for Tom not to be able to play in our first game, the prognosis from the medical staff was very positive and we look forward to him returning to the side for our round two match against North Melbourne on April 8," Giants football manager Graeme Allan said.

GWS midfielder Tom Scully says he wasn't disappointed to miss out on the captaincy, and is just happy to be in the Giants' leadership group.

"I'm absolutely rapt to be put in the leadership group, it's a tremendous honour," Scully said.

"The three captains that have been selected are fantastic leaders at the club and they're going to take this club forward."

Greater Western Sydney forward Setanta O'hAilpin says teammate Tom Scully greatly resembles another former teammate, Carlton champion Chris Judd.

"Tom is just an absolute gentleman. The guy is a professional. What he does and the way he trains is just out of this world," O'hAilpin said.

"He is the first to training and the last to leave and he shows every other kid what it's like to play AFL. If there is one guy I could compare him to, it's Chris Judd. They are exactly the same player, and they have the same personality. I can see why GWS got him up here. He is going to be a future captain."

Demon Jack Trengove says him, and the rest of the team, are ready to fill the void left by former teammate Tom Scully.

"The sign of a bad list is if you lose one player you fall over," said Trengove.

"I reckon we've got a great list and blokes who can fill his spot and with the two compensation picks (the club received two picks as compensation for losing Scully) in a few years I'm sure we'll be able to pick up where we left off."

Greater Western Sydney now wants the wages of Phil Scully, father of Tom Scully, removed from the club's salary cap and says it should have been more transparent with the appointment last year.

"I think the club has been almost generous in putting his money in the cap. I think he's a bona fide recruiter," GWS chief executive David Matthews said.

"The one thing we could have done differently with the Phil Scully situation is get on the front foot and just announce it. To say, here is the guy who is a part-time recruiter with the Swans who is leaving to come to GWS and in that context it doesn't come across like it did and generate the scrutiny it has."

Tom Scully says he was unaware of his father having been made an offer to join the Giants on a lucrative contract in their recruiting department until after he signed with the club.

"It was after I was signed to the Giants that he was offered a deal. As you know the rest is history," Scully said.

"I think there has been a lot spoken about it I think everyone is a bit sick of hearing about it really. Obviously it's a well known fact, that it's out there, but I think it's about time we move on and lets just bring in the footy for next year."

The Herald Sun reports that Tom Scully's father was offered a six-year contract worth $680,000 to work as a recruiter for GWS in November last year.

Tom Scully admits that constant speculation about his future affected him during the 2011 season.

"I was a second-year player and I couldn't work out why everyone was constantly talking about me, instead of other players," Scully said.

"I tried to block it out as much as I could, and being a professional, you try to focus your energies on other things. But there was so much pressure and so much noise around it that, as much as I tried to escape it, it was constantly there."

After finishing second in the Giants' first time trial, fanatical trainer Tom Scully says he has learned the value of rest.

"I've got a few deficiencies in my body, but I'm working on them constantly and I'm also training fully - I'm not missing out on anything," Scully said.

"I'm probably going to have a cautious pre-season, but I have no doubt I'll be able to play a lot of footy next year and a lot of footy over my career.''

Tom Scully says he hopes to remain at GWS for the rest of his career.

"I know my future's here and I anticipate I'll be here for the rest of my career," Scully said.

"I think one move is enough. The move from Melbourne was difficult enough, hopefully I can have a long relationship with this club."

Gun Giants recruit Tom Scully's father, Phil, has joined the club as a full-time recruiter.

"Phil has an obvious passion and underatanding for the game as well as first-hand experience of what is expected of the players coming through the system," GWS national list and recruitment manager Stephen Silvagni said.

"He has had a lot of experience with the talent pathway in Victoria and he is going to be a valued addition to our team."

Melbourne will receive two first-round NAB AFL Draft picks in return for losing Tom Scully to GWS.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook says he is perplexed that Melbourne received the same compensation for Tom Scully as the Cats did for Gary Ablett.

"No way (is he worth the same as Ablett) - if Scully is worth two first round picks, then Gary Ablett is worth at least four. That is the reality," Cook told SEN radio.

"I can't quite work it out ... I must admit to struggling on this one."

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab says confirmation of Tom Scully's defection to GWS was like lifting a black cloud from the club.

"This in some ways has been like a black cloud which has been over the club for much of the last 12 months," Schwab said.

"The black cloud now moves on to another club. They have still got priority selections to play out over time and it will be someone else's issue from this point onwards."

Melbourne midfielder Tom Scully signs a six-year deal with Greater Western Sydney.

"Obviously the money was a factor in my decision, but it was a decision based on ... a really good opportunity in a unique situation," Scully said.

"I know there are going to be people disappointed in my decision and I understand that. The Melbourne Football Club gave me a great introduction to my career and were an incredible support.

"I want to thank all of the coaches, players, staff and of course the supporters for the last two years. For me, though, it's all about getting ready for this new stage in my career."

Demons football director Garry Lyon says he does not believe Tom Scully has made up his mind as to whether to move to GWS yet.

"I know there are people out there who say it's a done deal. I don't think it is," Lyon said.

"I think Tom is absolutely steadfast in saying, and he has said this to me, I just want to play with Melbourne and at the end of the season I'll address whatever it is."

Greater Western Sydney have made their final offer to Melbourne's Tom Scully.

"We're clear about what our offer was, that's for him to consider," GWS CEO Dale Holmes said.

"Tom and Melbourne are obviously going through their discussions. Where that ends, I don't know. It's up to Tom to decide what he wants to do."

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab says the Demons have the capacity to match the Giants' reported $5m bid for Tom Scully.

"If we sought to - given the state of our salary cap, our Total Player Payments - we could pay the same as what Greater Western Sydney have offered, because we've got a young group as well," he said.

"We assume that this group is going to be the group for the next decade or so, so we need to make sure that all [players are looked after financially]."

Demon Jack Trengove says he assumes teammate Tom Scully will be at the club next season despite being linked with GWS.

"I haven't read into that too much because I just assume he is going to be at the club next year," Trengove said.

"Right from the start I've said you want to build your team around having the best players and he is going to be one of the stars of the competition in years to come. I'm just worried about playing with him as long as I can for my career and hopefully he is at Melbourne."

Melbourne has put its terms on the table for out-of-contract midfielder Tom Scully and his manager reveals GWS has responded.

"Melbourne upped the ante significantly a couple of weeks ago and we invited [GWS] to put something in writing to us, which they've done," Peter Blucher from Velocity Sports said.

"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."

Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab slams the media for depicting Tom Scully as a liar when it comes to his dealings with GWS.

"I think they're saying that Tom's lying and I think that's disappointing because Tom's a terrific young fella," Schwab told Melbourne radio station Triple M ahead of Saturday's clash between Melbourne and Richmond at the MCG.

"The only thing that we will do in talking about this is look to protect the reputation of a terrific young guy who we have every confidence is acting in a way that is not anything mischievous - he is just acting in a way he would like to so he can focus on the things that he wants to focus on [his football]."

The Demons remain hopeful that young midfielder Tom Scully will resist the big money at GWS to remain at the club.

"We're building a club around a whole group of young players and I think that's probably where, when anyone's asked of us what our own views are, we've got a lot a lot of confidence because we're very aware of the environment we're creating," Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab said.

"The opportunities (are there) for young players within our club to play with young players of similar quality who have strong beliefs that that they're going to have a terrific era of footy together."

Melbourne youngster Tom Scully is set to miss a further six weeks with his knee injury.

"It's important to note that this is an uncommon football injury, and it's difficult to know exactly what the parameters are to return to activity, so we are erring on the side of caution," Melbourne general manager of football Chris Connolly said.

"Tom is a driven young man and is doing everything possible to return to football quickly, but it's important to get this right now and not rush him back."

Melbourne's Tom Scully says GWS has not approached his management and he wants to be a one-club player.

"We definitely haven't spoken to GWS and most certainly haven't signed anything," Scully said.

"The club has a stance we don't comment on contracts and I'm taking that stance as well. My main role is to get out there and play footy every week. I'm a contracted Melbourne player and I'm absolutely loving my time at the club."

Melbourne chairman Jim Stynes says he is confident Tom Scully will stay at the club rather than move to the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

"Obviously, you speak to the right people and then you realise it's just rumours," Stynes said.

"He is a great kid and we've got a lot of them, there's not just one of them, and we want to be able to keep them all together and hopefully they can all grow and have a lot of success."

Young Melbourne star Jack Trengove is hopeful fellow Demon Tom Scully will stay with the club and not sign with Greater Western Sydney.

"It's something between the club, Sculls and his manager, but I'd love for him to stay," Trengove said.

"You want the best players around to play with. He's a great bloke, a great player and someone that I'd love to play the rest of my career out at Melbourne with."

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, as host of the Triple M morning breakfast show, says there is a strong rumour that young Melbourne star Tom Scully has already signed with Greater Western Sydney.

"The tom-toms are beating very strong that the deal is done," McGuire said.

"In the old days on The Footy Show, I might have been rubbing my hands saying we've got the biggest story of the year."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey, however, scoffed at these suggestions.

"As far as Tom's contract is concerned, the club will deal with that but we're certainly not going to speculate or add any fuel to the fire," Bailey said.

"It's just speculation. It's unfounded until I'm told otherwise. The speculation will continue and I'm sure that's part of all your jobs to speculate and provide some innuendo but it's not going to distract us from what we're about."

Tom Scully's management says the Melbourne youngster has not signed with GWS despite rumours to the contrary.

"It's a rapidly changing time for the AFL, with a new collective bargaining agreement and a new AFL broadcast rights deal to be negotiated this year, and it is our responsibility to see these through before we address Tom's contract," Scully's manager Mark Kleiman said.

"So, to ensure there are no distractions and that Tom can direct all his energies to the 2011 season, we recommended to him last August that we put contract talks on hold until the end of this season and advised the club accordingly."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says he is confident Tom Scully will remain at the club despite interest from Greater Western Sydney.

"Tom Scully's character and professionalism are outstanding. He is a rare breed and we have got a few like him," Bailey said.

"They want to be successful. They know there is a nucleus of the team here and they want to be a big part of it. They don't want to be just a bit part of it. Some blokes get to play five or six years if they are lucky. He could be running until he's 35."

Melbourne face the prospect of losing No. 1 draft pick Tom Scully to Greater Western Sydney after the young star's management decide to hold off talks on a new contract.

"He is contracted for this year and there is no hurry," Scully's manager Mark Kleiman said.

"We'll wait and see how the season pans outs out."

Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia says he wishes he had his time over again after witnessing the dedication of his younger teammates Jack Trengove and Tom Scully.

"If I could have anything again, it would be the first three or four years at the club," Sylvia said.

"The impact those two boys have made and the kids that they are, how dedicated they are ... they tick all the boxes.

"If I was half the kid they are, I would have been such a better footballer. It's time lost for me and time wasted in a way."

Tom Scully tallies 39 disposals against the Bulldogs including 18 in the final term to earn a rising star nomination for round 7.

"For the first couple of rounds it's just been about getting the pace of the game and making that transition as quick as I can," Scully said of his transition into AFL football.

"I've had a lot of help from the coaches and the players, but it's just a learning experience, and I'm learning new roles every week and really enjoying it."

Tom Scully makes his AFL debut for Melbourne at the MCG with 20 disposals (9 kicks and 11 handballs), 2 marks, a tackle and 1 hitouts in a 56-point loss to Hawthorn.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the club will play Tom Scully and Jack Trengove as much as possible this season.

"We're going to play them as much as we can this year and it's great to see these two young fellas put in a fair pre-season, considering where they started. They've worked really hard and they're going to be exciting to watch from this moment onwards," Bailey said.

Melbourne's first two 2009 draft picks, Jack Trengove and Tom Scully, say they are both ready to play in the first round of the NAB Cup.

"From where I was pre-Christmas to where I am now, I've made pretty good progress," Scully said.

"I've been pretty diligent in working with the fitness and weights staff, so I've been trying to get my body as right as possible for this time of the year."

"It's obviously a goal of most of the first year boys to play round one, but I'll have to see how I'm going at that stage," Trengove said.

"If I have to start off at Casey, I really don't mind. I just want to go out and earn a bit of respect from the players and get a few consistent games together later on."

Melbourne assistant coach Mark Williams says prized recruit Tom Scully will begin full training with the squad by the end of next week.

Scully has been handled with care after having fractured his patella when playing for TAC Cup side the Dandenong Stingrays in September.

"We're very careful with all the draftees, as all clubs are, so we don't want to load them up too much," assistant coach Mark Williams said.

Melbourne has ended months of speculation by selecting Tom Scully first overall in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft ahead of South Australian Jack Trengove.

""It's obviously very exciting at the moment for myself and my family," Scully said.

"It's good to be finally drafted, and I'm really just looking forward to getting down to the club."

"We couldn't split them, unfortunately we were required to call then out one-by-one, but if it was up to me, I'd call both of them out together," Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said.

"I see them both as equals, they're going to really contribute to the Melbourne Football Club. They've got great character, and we look forward to them running out and playing next year."

The likely top pick in the NAB AFL Draft, Tom Scully, is refusing to be caught up in the drama one day out from selection day.

"I've spoken with Melbourne but I'm sure they've spoken with a number of other players as well. They've told me that I'm coming into calculations but you never know until your name gets called out," Scully said.

"I'll just have to wait and see and find out and see what unfolds tomorrow."