Barry Hall to announce retirement today

[LostDoggy]

http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/barry-hall-to-call-it-quits-20110718-1hlxy.html

After a 16-year, 283 game career, former Sydney captain Barry Hall will announce at lunchtime today he will retire from the game at the end of the season.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...#ixzz1SVNFZwbB

Been a great career for him, and even though he seems in good form now, it's probably the right decision for him.
Thanks for everything Baz, if only we had you a year or two eariler

[cinder]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

That sucks but not surprising. Back to the drawing board to get a strong forward option to the club (can't think of anyone we already have that can fill the role).

Thanks for everything Bazza...

[Mofra]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

That sucks but not surprising. Back to the drawing board to get a strong forward option to the club (can't think of anyone we already have that can fill the role).

Roughead & Jones as a combo?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Barry, even though you've only been with us for 2 seasons it feels like you really are a true Bulldog. Thank you for the last 2 years, you've been wonderful for the Doggies!!

[LostDoggy]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

I'm listening to SEN awaiting the Barry Hall press conference, the details have already been posted on the clubs website a few minutes ago, still waiting for he press conference. A bit strange at they post it before the press conference.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

His body looked like it was labouring when chasing on Sunday. He's done well to get this far but you know the end is nigh when you have to have time off to recover....and when it takes longer and longer to recover.

Has been good for the Bulldogs, much better than expected. Both on and off the field. Can proudly say he has given it his best.

[cinder]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Roughead & Jones as a combo?

Dunno, not on their current form! Roughead not even playing so hard to say. Either way it's not the same

[LostDoggy]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Great to hear him answer the question havin played at three clubs what will he consider himself when it is all over, he said a BULLDOG !

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

His body looked like it was labouring when chasing on Sunday. He's done well to get this far but you know the end is nigh when you have to have time off to recover....and when it takes longer and longer to recover.

Has been good for the Bulldogs, much better than expected. Both on and off the field. Can proudly say he has given it his best.

He looked a lot better than many younger than him on Sunday.

[Missing Dog]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Barry, you are a BLOODY SUPERSTAR, thanks for coming to the Doggies, we will miss you when it's over

[1eyedog]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Great to hear him answer the question havin played at three clubs what will he consider himself when it is all over, he said a BULLDOG !

Even though he won a premiership at Sydney as captain he supported the dogs as a kid so great to hear.

I wonder if he'll belt anyone in the Freo game? Thanks Baz.

[Murphy'sLore]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Hate to admit it, but I didn't want him initially -- happy to say that I couldn't have been more wrong. Love you Baz, the gentle giant, you've been fantastic for us and I'm so glad you've had a happy ending to your career.

[the banker]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Become a legend in 2 short years at The Club. A genuine Star. Must be an ongoing role for Barry at The Western Bulldogs.

[comrade]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Many wrote him off but he will end his career with his reputation in tact (please don't belt anyone in the next 7 weeks Baz).

Hopefully he'll start his boxing career next year. I'd love to see the big fella in action.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Barry Hall to announce retirement today

Not sure if it's genuine, but here's a copy of an email i just got sent:

---------------

Sent: Tuesday, 19 July 2011 1:13 PM
Subject: PRIME MINISTER - MEDIA RELEASE - RETIREMENT OF BARRY HALL - 19 JULY 2011 [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

PRIME MINISTER




RETIREMENT OF BARRY HALL



I was sorry to hear the news today that Barry Hall will be retiring from AFL footy at the end of this season.



I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Barry on his achievements and wish him good luck for the rest of the season and in the next phase of his life.



Barry Hall has worked hard and earned great respect in the West.



Barry’s been a proud competitor at three AFL clubs and Bulldogs fans have been proud to call him ours since 2010.



It was an honour to have Barry present me with a supporters’ jumper at the start of this year.



Barry’s kicked a century of goals in red white and blue – five on the weekend – and the pace he showed for his goal in the second quarter on Sunday makes me think he could play on forever.



I’m sure I’ll see him on the field in one last finals campaign later this year.



Barry’s life in footy has been through many phases – from a tearaway rookie, to ultimate success in 2005, and then playing on as a respected veteran in the West.



He has friends and fans at each of the clubs he’s played for and has been a worthy servant of each.



Very few footballers will equal Barry’s achievements: more than 250 games at the elite level, four-time All-Australian, 2005 premiership captain for the Sydney Swans.



It’s lovely to hear Barry talk about how he remembers growing up in Broadford, racing home from school, kicking the ball around the back paddock, pretending he was Simon Beasley, getting handballs from Doug Hawkins.



I’m sure tonight there will be children in back yards and back paddocks imagining themselves as Barry Hall, getting a handball from Matty Boyd.



Well done Barry.



CANBERRA

19 JULY 2011



PRESS OFFICE (02) 6277 7744