Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones doubts ex-teammate Tom Scully will be put off by verbal barbs or physical aggression at the MCG on Sunday, but he plans to try both.
Jones expects Melbourne fans to unleash a barrage of resentment towards Greater Western Sydney’s $6 million man in his first clash with his former club.
And he said while Melbourne players did not resent the 2009 No.1 draft pick for being lured away by a rich contract after just two years with the Demons, they would make it clear Scully was now an enemy.
“He made a decision for his future, which is fine really,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday.
“As a footy club, from the playing group, there’s no real resentment towards that.
“But at the same time, he’s the enemy now and we just really look forward to taking him on.”
Asked whether Scully was more susceptible to physical or verbal antagonism, Jones said: “I’ll be trying both, I’ll give you the hot tip.”
“I’m really looking forward to it, I’m sure he is too and it’s going to be good fun.”
Jones did not expect Scully to be bothered by hostile treatment from former teammates or by crowd taunts.
But he urged Demons fans to make their feelings known.
“I expect them to as well,” he said.
“It’s all good fun, a good little rivalry that will be built up.”
Scully’s exit last year was in stark contrast to that of another Demon-turned-Giant, ex-captain James McDonald, who was dumped by Melbourne after 251 games at the end of 2010 before reviving his career this year with GWS.
Jones said the 33-year-old, who many believe the Demons should have kept, remained a much-loved figure at Melbourne.
“He’s highly respected, his achievements and how he led the footy club and just the bloke that he is,” Jones said.
“Around here he’ll never be forgotten.”