Tom Scully

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

That's a good article, and it seems like Scully has that happy knack of being a ball magnet almost all the time. Also having experience with tagging ALREADY and also having that attitude that it makes you a better player (but not arrogance) is hugely pleasing. Some of our mids who struggle with the attention could learn a thing or two. Like Jones, I reckon Scully might be tagged from the end of his first year or the start of his second. By the looks of it he only needs 15-20 touches to make his presence felt.

The Freo, West Coast and Richmond games are taking on huge importance now. I'm still hopeful. Even if we win all three we still get our PP.

[CarnTheDees 52]

Article about the match - supposedly Butcher 'carved up' Metro...

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tab...47/default.aspx

"VIC COUNTRY key forward John Butcher showed why he is being touted as one of this year's leading draft prospects, bagging three goals in his side's 16-point win over Vic Metro at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Butcher, who turns 18 in July, kicked two first-quarter goals and a sensational snap under pressure in the final term."

[Number 2 13]

I like the look of Scully.

But seriously keep your eyes on Dustin Martin from the Bendigo Pioneers.

As a 16 year old he lived in Sydney for a year and played some scratch matches against Swans listed players. His family then moved back to Castlemaine where he quickly wound up playing Bendigo Football League Seniors. Having already played against men in the Bendigo Football League by now performing at TAC Cup level he could be the ready made player we are looking for. His performance for Vic Country (2nd Best) will push him up most peoples draft board. If the Demons can get him around pick 20 they have got themselves a bragain.

Martin will be a quality footballer.

I suspect he can be used accross half forward and be pushed into the midfield. It is hard to compare Dustin to an AFL player but for comparisons sake lets say he is most like Mitch Hahn.

If you get a chance to look at Vic Country check out number 29.

[Jarka 767]

But seriously keep your eyes on Dustin Martin from the Bendigo Pioneers.

Good call no.2

Article from Jason McCartney on who he thinks stood out for each of the main states

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tab...77/default.aspx

[Adam The God 30,422]

Scully's handball to kick ratio in that game is interesting to read (23 handballs, 10 kicks in 33 possies). Something of note, particularly as our team at the moment struggle to hit targets by hand. To hear that his efficency in this area is very high might be another thing that we look for.

[MelbournePassion 7]

Scully's handball to kick ratio in that game is interesting to read (23 handballs, 10 kicks in 33 possies). Something of note, particularly as our team at the moment struggle to hit targets by hand. To hear that his efficency in this area is very high might be another thing that we look for.

Thats good to hear. Does anyone know if hes a inside or outside midfielder? Is he fast? good foot skills? What about his delivery when kicking to targets inside 50? Classy?

[MelbournePassion 7]

We must get this guy to our club. If we only wind up with pick 1 and miss the priority pick, then we take Scully. He is clearly the best player looking to be drafted at the moment, and he is too good to pass up. He is really really dedicated to his sport. By all reports, he doesn't drink or go out much, and just trains and trains and could've played state level cricket too. But he decided footy was the game for him, and has been working his ass off to get to where he is.

He is exactly what we need. An all-round class midfielder. His skills in close are phenomenal. His pace is great, and his balance and strength to break/avoid tackles is top quality. He has the best handball I've ever seen in a kid. Watch the youtube videos of him and you'll see some examples of his quick handball clearances from packs. His kick is also very penetrating and accurate, especially for his size. Depending on the teams needs, he could be an elite inside or outside mid. He's seriously shorter version of Judd.

We need to get him. Even though I think we need a key forward more, Scully is too good to pass up. Butcher is a big bodied guy playing against kids. He isnt being tested and is lazily throwing his weight around. IMO I'm not 100% convinced he will be able to do the same when he hits AFL level. I just don't think he has the talent. Scully on the other hand is pure talent, and is a small guy getting tagged week in week out and still dominating. Getting him in the Red n Blue should be our number 1 priority come end of season.

Good exactly what I wanted to hear

[Adam The God 30,422]

Check out some of his highlights from last year carnival and see for yourself.

Also, have a look at Watts', Blease's and Strauss'. They kicked it round in circles to each other.

[Carn dees 108]

Thats good to hear. Does anyone know if hes a inside or outside midfielder? Is he fast? good foot skills? What about his delivery when kicking to targets inside 50? Classy?

He is fast

he does have excellent foot skills

He is both inside and out would label him either his a combination of both.

He is classy as i said his kicking is great penetration accuracy etc.

* Also im quiet sure he beat chris judds 4km time comfortably.....I think its the 4km run.

Ive seen him play and have played against him.

[dee-luded 2,959]

If the two goals Butcher kicked in the first were 'lazy' then I'd hate to see how he would have kicked them if he was trying! One of these was a ripper, where he pushed hard up to the wing to mark on the lead, then played on and kicked the ball 40 metres to a team mate and then pushed past that contest to receive the ball and kicked a goal running through the 50m arc. The other came from a strong mark, with the 'fluke' being a left foot finish receiving a handball from a contest about 40 metres from goal. He played at CHF and contested the ball very well, often having to deal with Metro dropping extra players back into his space.

And, BTW, Scully is very handy.

That sounds encouraging AoB. Thanks for the report. Did you see any other power type forwards of interest &/or rucks - forwards???

[Carn dees 108]

Had 17* possies against NSW, report was he was still had a good game and was one the best but down on his standards.

[Freak 100]

he had 17. lets not inflate his stats now.

and can people tell me why we would lose to richmond, fremantle and west coast at the mcg? We will win all 3, putting us on 4 wins..so lets not hope for 1 upset otherwise we will end up with neither scully or butcher

[alpha33 325]

Scully will be featured today on Hutchy's TAC Cup Future Stars at 1pm on Nine.

[Jarka 767]

he had 17. lets not inflate his stats now.

In a game that vm controlled for the whole match Scully was played in the forwardline, clearly they wanted to give him a bit of a rest in what will be a long season for the kid

[LITTLE STINGA 1]

he had 17. lets not inflate his stats now.

and can people tell me why we would lose to richmond, fremantle and west coast at the mcg? We will win all 3, putting us on 4 wins..so lets not hope for 1 upset otherwise we will end up with neither scully or butcher

You shouldn't forget that we play the Kangas as well who are playing as bad as anyone and will probably only get worse. We will have to tank remarkably well to get a priority there are just so many poor teams out there.

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,809]

Emma Quayle was interviewed on the Marngrook Footy show last Thurs night(SO much more informative than TFS).

She impressed me greatly with her deep knowledge of the modern game.