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Graham Canty squares up to Hall in Australian, 2003. INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Man at Work

Boom! Barry Hall has cracked his last head as he calls it a day

Aussie Rules giant hangs up his boots – but wouldn’t rule out an International Rules swansong.

GOOD NEWS IF you play Aussie Rules and value your teeth… Barry Hall has called time on his blood-splattered career.

Hall will be remembered as no-nonsense, 700+ goal full forward with Sydney.

After the Swans cut him loose he was given a chance by Western Bulldogs and justified the punt with some more excellent work – kicking over 100 goals over the course of a couple of seasons.

Irish sports fans will of course remember Hall from many bruising encounters with our Gaelic footballers during the International Rules Series. Players like Graham Canty may sleep a little easier tonight.

After the 2003 edition of the games, Hall revealed that he earned a lot of respect for the Cork captain.  ”When we swapped jerseys, “ said Hall, “I told him that I really enjoyed myself.

“He said the same. And I said, ‘Well, in that case, I hope I’m on you again next year, mate.’”

Hall hinted yesterday that he might be tempted to line out in one more compromise series, if he was selected by the Ausises.

So farewell, Barry Hall. Here are your greatest hits – though theres’ a dearth of Rules stuff, sadly:

  • Hall left the Swans in the wake of this incident with, ironically, West Coast’s Brent Staker. He was exiled from the game for a period but was eventually given his chance to return.

  • It wasn’t the first time he raised his fists in anger though I’m afraid…

He was fined for ‘wrestling’ when he got Scott Thompson in a headlock during a game with the Kangaroos, proving he still had fore in his belly in 2010.

  • He should, possibly, be remembered by AFL fans for his hundreds of goals…

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