The 2008 Jack Collins-Alan Schwab AFL Life Members Scholarship has been awarded to promising young midfielder Tom Scully.
Scully, 17, has played for the Dandenong Stingrays this year and is a graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy. From Haileybury, he starred for Vic Metro during the 2008 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.
He also received All-Australian honours during the carnival.
Scully is to be presented with the award by AFL Life Members President and former Magpie and Bomber Des Tuddenham at the MCG on grand final day.
He will also play in the TAC Cup Grand Final on Friday afternoon at Telstra Dome, with his side to take on the Murray Bushrangers at 4pm.
The scholarship assists in the off-field development and education of elite young footballers. It was first awarded in 1989.
AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said Scully is an exciting emerging player.
"Tom demonstrates fantastic ability to win contested ball at clearances, has clean hands and is a first class decision maker," Sheehan said.
"He is dangerous around goals and possesses the natural speed and endurance essential to compete in the midfield at AFL level.
"As importantly, Tom is an outstanding young man respected by all coaches and players he has been associated with at school, club and representative level."
Established players such as Luke Hodge, Brett Deledio and Joel Selwood have previously received the scholarship.
Scully, however, won't be eligible for the NAB AFL Draft until next season.
