How Swans fans broke Hall's heart

[The Coon Dog]

Michael Crowley - The Age - 11 September

When Barry Hall rode onto the SCG a year ago, the faithful stood, cheered and brought a tear to his eye as he bade farewell.

But now they had turned. Hall had endured crowd abuse throughout his career but with even the children of Swans fans branding him a traitor, it seemed like the bond built between Hall and Sydney over nine seasons had been broken.

It was three weeks ago and Hall was back in Sydney, this time as a Western Bulldog. While not expecting them to cheer him, Hall felt Swans fans would welcome him. While some offered encouragement, others jeered, abused and even let their children do their dirty work.

''I was really disappointed, very disappointed,'' Hall said. ''I thought they were better than that. I would nearly put them in the category of a Collingwood supporter now.

Article in full... (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/how-swans-fans-broke-halls-heart-20100910-15542.html)

[MrMahatma]

Surprisingly good media man is Barry.

[Grantysghost]

I was there, i was suprised they were booing so vociferously. I even asked the woman next to me (who was more interested in chatting to her friend than watching the game) how you can boo your premiership captain saying i thought he was a hero up here... She simply replied "not any more!" You would expect some booing but in the stand i was in (Victor Trumper) it seemed to me over the top. Its a very different crowd up there.

[LostDoggy]

Now go break theirs Barry

[LostDoggy]

A lot of Bulldog supporters probably thought similar before Barry got the club.

[LostDoggy]

Now go break theirs Barry

Payback is a bitch! haha

[Scorlibo]

I was disgusted, especially after Barry openly stating something like, "I'll never forget what the Sydney people have done for me, and what we did together", when questioned on the matter earlier in the year. I also have always respected the Sydney faithful, but now I'm not as sure. For the Canberra match they did seem more or less welcoming, maybe it's because there were more die-hard supporters there who would always respect Barry.

[AndrewP6]

Very impressed with Bazza in his time at the Kennel... interesting bit where they hint there was 'more' to his move away from Sydney. Carn Baz, show them you made the right move!!! Kick a bag! Hell, kick two bags!

More lazy journalism in this one - has proofreading become a thing of the past?

[KT31]

Hall get vengeance tonight !!!

[Remi Moses]

How they found time boo Barry when they have to perform a Mexican Wave while the game is going is a great skill!

[AndrewP6]

Stuck it up 'em this time Bazza!!!!!!!

[LostDoggy]

Some of the Sydney supporters around me last night, most one eyed i have ever heard.

Everything should be a free kick & Bazza was crap, unbelievable.

[LostDoggy]

Some of the Sydney supporters around me last night, most one eyed i have ever heard.

Everything should be a free kick & Bazza was crap, unbelievable.

Had an old bloke next to me. Hardly said a word in the second half.
Shook his hand at end of game out of respect for Kirky & Roos. He appreciated that and the fact that the Bulldog fold cheered them off the ground too. :)