It seems that the often brilliant and always controversial career of former Sydney Swans spearhead, premiership captain and all-around lightning rod for football drama, Barry Hall will be ending when the Western Bulldogs season ends.
Reports out of Melbourne suggest that Hall, the only man in VFL/AFL history to kick 100 goals with three different teams - St Kilda, Sydney and, more recently, the Western Bulldogs - is going to call it quits this week, possibly with a press conference announcement this afternoon or tomorrow. Other reports say that he's already informed the Western Bulldogs of his intentions.
It's a sad day for football. I love Barry Hall, and will never forget what he did as the face of AFL football here in Sydney. It was his presence both on and off the field that helped the Swans become a real factor in the crowded football landscape of Sydney. He was a guy who everyone recognised - one of the few Swans players, outside of Capper and Lockett and Kelly who surpassed the AFL brand and became something of a cult hero around town. The quirky Barry Hall Hall ads were fantastic back in the day.
Unfortunately, the downfall of Barry Hall as a Sydney Swan began in horrific fashion, when he decided it would be a good idea to pound Brent Staker one night at ANZ Stadium in the middle of a heated contest against our great modern rivals, the West Coast Eagles. A few weeks suspension seemed to do little, because Barry was once more roughing it up, this time in Adelaide against the Crows. That was the end of the line. The Swans, famous then and famous now for the 'no dickheads' policy cut ties with the fearsome full forward.
As disappointing as the end was in Sydney, I was glad that Barry took a break from football and has been successful with the Western Bulldogs after being lured there by former Swans coach Rodney Eade. He was brilliant last year, Hall, slotting enough goals to finish second in the Coleman Medal race behind Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, and even this season, despite dealing with some ankle issues, he's been one of the best for the Bulldogs in each appearance. Especially on Sunday, when he kicked 5 goals in a losing effort against North Melbourne.
The most pleasing thing of all about Barry's tenure at Whitten Oval? We've seen the Barry Hall of old. Not the one who punched guys, wrestled with guys and always seemed one ill-advised jumper tug by a fullback away from going apocalyptic. He's seemingly managed to keep his famous temper under control, no small effort given that everyone knows that every team is trying to bait the guy into another brain explosion, and he's played good football. So many people who said that the Bulldogs trading for Barry Hall was a mistake bound to backfire and backfire quickly are having to eat some humble pie, because it's worked out pretty well for both Barry and for the Bulldogs.
Much will be said when Barry announces his retirement. As a Swans fan who still loves watching Barry on the loose - as long as it's not against the Swans - I'm going to be happy for the guy. He brought us a premiership and so many wonderful moments in the red and white. What's more, as a Bulldog, he's managed to turn around his career when many didn't think he stood a chance, and that's something that we should all be thankful for. Football can be a wonderful tool for redemption.
If this is it, Barry, so long and thanks for the memories. You'll be missed. Swans fans will get to farewell you one last time at the SCG on Saturday afternoon with the Doggies in town.
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