Michael Cowley
December 23, 2010

GREATER Western Sydney stunned many Swans fans last year by signing the club's former inspirational skipper Paul Kelly to their staff - now they are considering chasing Sydney's 2005 premiership captain, Barry Hall, for their inaugural season in the AFL.

Hall is contracted to the Western Bulldogs for next year, and when he signed the two-year deal at the end of 2009, even he thought that would be the end of his colourful football career. But after finishing second in the Coleman Medal, booting 80 goals and leading the Dogs past the Swans in their semi-final this year, Hall, despite turning 35 in early 2012, has shown he could have another season at the top level in him.

The drawback is his age, which doesn't fit the profile of players the Giants are said to be targeting. But one major factor in his favour is his high profile in Sydney, a point conceded by GWS chief executive Dale Holmes.
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Unlike many superstars in the game, Hall is instantly recognisable in Sydney to both AFL and non-AFL supporters. He spent eight seasons in Sydney and captained the Swans to a drought-breaking premiership victory in 2005. He also infamously saturated news bulletins in 2008 with his left hook to West Coast's Brent Staker.

Only a few of the game's current elite - including Gary Ablett, Chris Judd, Buddy Franklin and Adam Goodes - would be a chance to be immediately recognised on a Sydney street. Hall belongs in that category and given the Giants paid about $4 million to punt on Israel Folau's athletic ability and marketability, Hall could be a bargain.

''As always we are just not going to comment specifically around uncontracted players,'' Holmes said when asked if the Giants were interested in Hall. ''We've got Graeme Allen and Stephen Silvagni, who head up our list construction, working on the types of players we want to look at from an uncontracted point of view.''

But Holmes agreed Hall's profile in Sydney could make him more attractive to the club. ''There is no doubt that Barry's profile in this market is as big as anyone who has been involved in the game up here,'' Holmes said. ''That's a bonus, but essentially what's paramount in the consideration is how does that complement your list construction strategy.''

Because of that profile, Hall could also be an asset to the club post-football in a variety of coaching and marketing roles, and both the Swans and Bulldogs have noted how well he works with their younger players.

While they have secured Folau, the Giants have missed out on another target, West Coast's Nic Naitanui, who recently re-signed with the Eagles. But several talented players who come off contract at the end of next year have reportedly been targeted.

Collingwood's Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury are on the radar, but the Pies are confident of retaining both. Carlton's Marc Murphy is apparently another, but the Blues say he won't be going anywhere. Others touted as potential Giants are Geelong pair Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel and Brisbane youngster Daniel Rich.

But even if the club decides to go after Hall, loyalty to the Bulldogs - who gave him a second chance and signed him after he re-signed from the Swans midway through 2009 - could be the major obstacle to any prospective deal. ''Barry is signed for 2011 with the Western Bulldogs, and he isn't looking beyond next season,'' Hall's manager Phil Mullen said.

''The Dogs have been very good to Hally and he's very happy there, and I would imagine if it got to the point where he is considering going around for another season in 2012, I couldn't see him playing anywhere else if the Bulldogs still wanted him.''

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