Giants should forget Scully

A million bucks a year for Tom Scully, huh?

I guess money isn't an issue for Greater Western Sydney, so why not? But then again, I think Kevin Sheedy and co might be on the wrong track.

You see, even if the Demon youngster is a "future-Chris Judd", big deal. Every second kid drafted each November is touted as being the next Judd. It's so frequent that I'm struggling to think who preceded Judd as the cliched star-to-be-replicated; as in, before "sliced bread" was invented, what did people compare great inventions to? Judd must have been the next… somebody. Robert Harvey maybe?

So "next-Chris Judds" aren't that rare. GWS could hold off on their million big ones and just trust that this year's draft talent, where they have a bazillion free picks, will deliver five "next-Chris Judds". I know that Scully has looked fantastic in his two seasons of AFL footy – well, umm, when he hasn't been injured – but it seems kind of crazy to put him on even bigger money than AFL blockbuster players like, say, Israel Folau.

I think the Giants should be putting their buckets of cash elsewhere, attracting players who are not "the next" anything. Players who are truly unique and interesting. Players who are characters. Players who the bedazzled masses of Sydney's outer western suburbs, blinking and scratching their heads as they witness their new team, can truly grow to love and barrack for. I propose GWS hands a million dollars each to:

1. Majak Daw

A rookie list player at the Kangaroos, he ticks every box for GWS. He's of Sudanese descent, so covers the multicultural angle that the Giants are celebrating at every marketing turn. More to the point, he's starting to show freakish skills (see below) and is an excitement machine. Yet he can't get a game for North? Really? I get coach Brad Scott wanting to nurture him and make him earn his place but did anybody see the Roos' game against the Magpies on Sunday? Time for a new home, Majak. Move north.

2. Lance Franklin

I'm sure Hawthorn have got Buddy locked up in a contract but if the Giants want a true marquee player to excite a foreign market, Buddy is your guy. As Lockett was for the Swans.

3. Jake "Push-ups" King

Tiny, as wide as he is tall, but vastly improved and full of fight, like a yappy dog who has no idea a Rottweiler has a significant size and weight advantage and charges right in. King would teach the kids of GWS plenty about heart and dedication to training and getting the most out of yourself. Tiger fans would be gutted if he was to leave, which says everything.

4. Nic Naitanui

The Eagles signed him fast for a three-year contract, knowing GWS was lurking. Details, details; imagine Nic Nat, with his dreadlocks and his leaping ability and his puppy-like enthusiasm, growing up as a Giant. The Folau-Naitanui double act will have western Sydney's significant Islander population in raptures. Gubby Allan, get on the phone to West Coast. As President Obama said, tear the Band Aid off fast and get Nic Nat moving east.

5. Luke Dahlhaus

Why a cool mill for Scully and not for this long-haired little teenager who has exploded into the Bulldog team since being upgraded from the rookie list? He's a terrier who makes things happen. A forward line with him and Push-Ups scurrying around Buddy's knees would be worth seeing. Dahlhaus' name is even kind of German, for bonus multi-cultural points.  

See, it's that easy. Stay in red and blue, Scullmeister - GWS needs flavour and flair for its five million bucks.

 The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of BigPond Sport.

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