By Michael Lynch
TOM Scully knew he was in for a hot reception, on and off the ground, when he returned to the MCG to face his former club Melbourne for the first time as a GWS Giant - but his coach Kevin Sheedy told him to laugh off any criticism and savour the moment.
Catcalls and boos - exactly what the former No. 1 draft choice received from supporters enraged by his decision to quit the struggling Demons for a big-money move to the new franchise at the end of last season - would mean ''they are missing you,'' the veteran coach told his young charge.
Demons supporters make reference to Tom Scully's profitable move to GWS.Credit: Paul Rovere
Scully was serviceable - at least as serviceable as a player could be in a 78-point loss - and those beyond the boundary seemed more upset by his presence at the heartland of the game than those involved, either in the coaching boxes or on the ground.
While Melbourne coach Mark Neeld laughed off the attention Scully received as ''part of the theatre of AFL footy'' and Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia suggested his former teammate was not singled out for any more criticism than other GWS players, some Demons fans begged to differ. Two were picked up by television cameras with banners making it clear what they thought of Scully's defection north, while another supporter who could be commended for his sense of humour or the size of his bank balance made his point plain by festooning his jumper with $50 notes.
Tom Scully plays his first match at the MCG as a Giant.Credit: Paul Rovere
An MCC spokesman subsequently explained that one banner had been confiscated because of the ''offensive'' language it deployed, while a second on grounds that it exceeded permitted size for the stadium. The man wearing currency affixed to his jumper was, however, ''well within his rights''.
Demonstrations and banners are fast becoming a vogue statement at AFL grounds. Two weeks ago Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin found himself the target of complaints over his involvement with clothing label Nena & Pasadena and a sign was removed by MCG security at the Hawks' game against Brisbane. Lobby group Collective Shout's sign - reading ''Give porn tees the boot Buddy'' - was deemed inappropriate and offensive by security and event management.
Given the nature of the personnel involved in this match - GWS veteran James McDonald is a former skipper of the Demons who was sacked several years ago - there was always likely to be some edge outside the simple matter of the game itself.
Melbourne president Don McLardy pointedly spoke glowingly of McDonald at the pre-match function but made no mention of 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.
''He is a very high-quality person and let's hope some time in the future we see him back within our club in some capacity.''
Sheedy, of course, is often credited as the man who invented mind games in Australian rules football, so he anticipated the kind of welcome Scully would get.
''I just told him to go and enjoy the game and not to worry about it. The fans are missing you obviously. You just can't be worried about what the fans say. They are here, they love the game and they don't want to see their club lose good players. I just said go and enjoy yourself and, whatever happens, cop it if they bag you and boo you.''
■ Melbourne will anxiously await medical reports on injured centre half-forward Mitch Clark, who had to be substituted at half-time after going down with a foot injury in the second quarter after kicking four goals in the first term.
''We thought we could get him up and going at half-time. We stayed in the rooms, did a few run-throughs and he was a little bit sore, so we will just monitor him as the week goes,'' said Neeld. ''I have not spoken to the doctor. All I know is he's got a bit of a sore foot.''