Melbourne fans have shown they still love former captain James McDonald and the veteran says he can see the romance in one day returning to the AFL club.

While the home crowd vented their disappointment at Tom Scully’s move to Greater Western Sydney during Sunday’s MCG clash with the Giants, they had only applause for McDonald.

The 35-year-old was controversially dumped by the Demons at the end of 2010, after 251 games.

Melbourne president Don McLardy said pre-match he would love to see McDonald eventually return to the club in some capacity.

McDonald said the idea appealed, although that didn’t mean it would happen.

“It’s a romance thing, isn’t it,” McDonald said.

“You don’t know. That’s a romantic idea, to get back one day, but who knows where footy’s going to lead me.”

He said while it was strange playing against the Demons, he bore no bitterness towards the club for forcing him out.

“Everyone finishes up and sometimes it doesn’t happen the way you want it to happen,” he said.

“But it’s no use crying over spilt milk, you’ve just got to get on with it.

“I was fortunate enough I got this great opportunity to go up and work with GWS … one door closes, another one opens.”