Scully’s hopes crippled

By Marc McGowan
HOBBLING around on crutches was not how Tom Scully pictured his grand final redemption.
The brilliant midfielder sustained a small fracture to his kneecap in the Dandenong Stingrays’ preliminary final victory over the Geelong Falcons two weeks ago.
There was speculation all week about his status, but Scully knew he would be a spectator three days before the TAC Cup decider.
The 18-year-old Berwick resident watched the match from the stands with his family before joining his team-mates in the rooms afterwards.
The sombre mood was the same as this time last year, despite Friday night’s 14-point losing margin against Calder being much more favourable than against the talent-laden Murray Bushrangers.
The frustration on Scully’s face was obvious as he slumped on a bench in the rooms afterwards.
“We were probably in a better position this year than last year, having seven players playing from last year,” he said.
“This year is an opportunity lost. From a viewing perspective, we didn’t capitalise on the opportunities we had.”
Scully will be back in full training in six weeks, but will also miss out on the physical testing at this week’s AFL Draft Camp in Canberra.
The dual under-18 All-Australian is renowned for his gut-busting running and amazing work ethic and didn’t hide his disappointment at being unable to test himself against his peers.
It’s a testament to how unaffected Scully is that he still feels he has something to prove despite being universally acclaimed as the best talent in this year’s draft crop.
He is almost annoyed at the constant praise that comes his way and trotted out a familiar line when asked about his lofty draft standing.
“I don’t really like that fuss, but it’s something that comes with the game,” Scully said.
“If that happens to be what I’m labelled as, that’s out of my control. It’s people’s opinion and everyone’s got their own opinion.
“To me, it doesn’t matter at all. I’m just focusing on what I can control, which is the way I play and present and prepare.”
AIS-AFL Academy high performance coach Jason McCartney became the latest to fall over himself praising Scully in the aftermath of the TAC Cup grand final – comparing him to dynamic Carlton captain Chris Judd.
“Tom’s just an outstanding kid and an outstanding footballer and there’s no doubt he’s done well and truly enough,” McCartney said.
“If he was at an AFL club, he would have played 10 games this year. He’s that good a player.
“He’s a rarity. You see kids who have a lot of talent and ability, but they’re kids. They go with the flow and hang with their mates.
“I see Tom as being someone who is self-driven and motivated.”
Scully is good mates with first-year Melbourne players Jack Watts and Sam Blease and admitted to paying more attention to the Demons’ fortunes this year.
“I’ve shown a bit of interest in watching their game style and what their game plan is like and who their good players are,” he said.
“They’re a really good, young, developing team and I think they’ve got a lot of upside to them.
“If Melbourne happens to be the club I go to I’ll be rapt … but I’m not sure where I’m going.”