Big Bustlin' Barry Hall

[c4v3m4n]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/retired-western-bulldogs-forward-barry-hall-rumoured-to-have-signed-comeback-afl-deal-with-gws-giants/story-e6frf3e3-1226156818228

Barry Hall will be a Greater Western Sydney player by the end of the year if the same whispers that predicted Tom Scully's defection to the Giants many months ago are to be believed.

Hall retired from Western Bulldogs at the end of the season, claiming he was mentally and physically drained after 16 seasons and 289 games.

But it hasn't stopped GWS from offering the former Sydney Swans skipper an opportunity to rewrite the colourful ending to his time in the harbour city with a position in the inaugural Giants squad.

GWS officials are adamant they have heard nothing from Hall's camp to suggest he would renege on his retirement.

But the man himself kept the door ajar when he told a grand final breakfast on Saturday that "you'd never say never" about the prospect of a return.

It has fuelled the belief that Hall will join GWS, it's just a matter of finalising suitable financial terms worthy of his profile and ability in the game.

Expect denials from both camps, but the Giants are doing all they can to convince Hall to join the club. And so they should.

At one point he was the biggest AFL name in Sydney and the face of the game. His popularity would bring untold marketing potential to the club's membership drive in Sydney's west.

Hall was and still is a fine ambassador for the game and he showed by kicking 36 goals in his final seven games that he is still an elite and powerful figure on the field.

Another club for Bazza? Another older player for GWS? This is one I cannot see happening.

He's already said he wants to be a Bulldog for life, somehow I don't think playing for another club would help that, especially just after retirement.

Thoughts?

[hawk_88]

Can't see this one happening either. No doubt he finished is great form but apparently he couldn't even train by the end of the year, and whilst still enjoyed playing, didn't enjoy the preparation that was required to play.

[Ziplock]

as soon as I saw it I just went- not a snowballs chance, and I'll stick with that first impression.

[Holz]

if this does happen the afl should start looking into it. Soon guys like goddard, Swan and Ablett will be retiring and than finding there way at GWS. I doubt it will happen though.

[hawk_88]

If they are still in contract then they can't even if they are retired. Unless a deal is struck to end a contract pre-maturely upon their retirement, they are still required by their clubs.

[hawk_88]

As suspected.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/124642/default.aspx