TOM Scully has officially confirmed he will play for the Greater Western Sydney Giants next year.

The Melbourne midfielder is believed to have agreed to an offer for the next six years for an estimated $6 million.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be in Sydney here today. I saw this as fantastic opportunity to be part of this club building from the ground up. Can’t wait to meet all the players and staff," Scully said at a press confernce this afternoon.

"I want to give a big thank you to the Melbourne Football Club. They’ve been fantastic to me, gave me the opportunity to start my AFL career … (but I) came up here and decided this is the place for me."

The former Demon said he was lured by more than just a large pay packet.

"No doubt money was a factor, but I saw an opportunity to be part of a brand new football club."

The Giants said the signing was a banner day for the league.

"A great day for our club, and great day for the game nationally," said GWC CEO Dale Holmes, who acknowledged the controverial nature of Scully's move from Melbourne.

"It does come at a price. There’s a lot of emotion involved when player move clubs … we pass on our sympathy to the Melbourne Football Club.

"He’s going to become a great leader for the next 10 years. It’s been the most scrutinised career choice of any 20-year-old in Australia this year."

Scully, 20, and his family flew to Sydney yesterday for the announcement.

He made a promtional video for the club that was released ahead ot the announcement today. See it below.

Melbourne officials were to be advised of the move this morning.

The 2009 No.1 draft pick has been GWS's primary recruiting target for several months.

He had an injury-interrupted 2011, starting late with a knee problem and finishing a week early.

Melbourne will receive compensation in the draft, probably a first-round selection and a second pick later in the draft.

“Our list and recruitment managers believe that Tom Scully was the best young player available and we think he’s going to be an incredible asset to this club" Holmes said.

“Both mentally and physically he’s had a very tough year for a young player. He missed 12 games with injury and he’s had to deal with intense scrutiny surrounding his future. It’s a testament to his character to see how well he has handled the pressure and to get out there and do what he’s done this year.

“Tom is a strong and driven young man who has been able to achieve a lot through out his junior career. In his first season to finish in the top 10 of his club’s best and fairest is no small feat.

“Given a new lease on life and a hopefully an injury free run, I think he’s going to be an extraordinary talent for the Club and I think we’ll see the best from Tom Scully.”



Scully said he understood some fans would not be happy with his decision.

“For me this was obviously a difficult decision to leave my friends, family and of course the Melbourne Football Club and not one I made lightly. In the end it’s not often you get an opportunity to be a part of something new from the outset, to start a team from scratch.

“I know there are going to be people disappointed in my decision and I understand that. The Melbourne Football Club gave me a great introduction to my career and were an incredible support. I want to thank all of the coaches, players, staff and of course the supporters for the last two years. For me though it’s all about getting ready for this new stage in my career.”

However, Scully said not to expect success immediately.

“I’m under no illusion that this is going to be easy first year in, but the challenge is something I am looking forward to. One of the appealing things as well is that this is all a bit of an unknown as far as what’s going to happen.

“You only need to look at the collective history and experience of the coaching and football department to know that this young group will be in great hands. Their knowledge is going to be so valuable to such a young list. It’s going to take time, but they’ve all been in the game long enough to know how to approach the next few years.”

The Demons have scheduled a media conference at 2pm.

Scully's move has been the subject of much speculation and comment for several months and as recently as yesterday Scully insisted he had not committed to the Giants.

"I'm just going up to have a look around ... I'm going up with an open mind, just go up and meet a few people," he said. "No, I haven't (signed) - just go up and have a look."

The Giants signed three players last week - Bulldog Callan Ward, Crow Phil Davis, and Docker Rhys Palmer.

-with Finn Bradshaw

Originally published as 'Money was a factor'