Would precious metal follow a wealthy guy? (10)

I believe the answer is:

silvertail

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'a wealthy guy?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'would precious metal follow' is the wordplay.
'would precious' becomes 'silv' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'metal' becomes 'Er' (Er is an example).
'follow' becomes 'tail' (both can mean to chase or pursue).
'silv'+'er'+'tail'='SILVERTAIL'

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I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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