Hall Quits AFL

Sydney star Barry Hall has shocked the AFL world by announcing his retirement, effective immediately.
Hall suggested last week that if he could not go on with the Swans, he would seek to continue his AFL career elsewhere, however, he admitted today (Tuesday) that would be difficult. "I have been part of this club for eight years, it would be tough to run out against them," Hall said at the announcement of his retirement.
Ball, 32, captained the Swans to the 2005 premiership, and admitted to uncertainty about whether he could curb his on-field aggression.
"If I play on I can't promise there won't be another indiscretion ... there's a real risk for me and the football club if I do go on that things could turn ugly," he said.
Hall said he was undecided about where his future would lay next. He said his decision to leave the Swans was the best move for all concerned.
"The decision I have made is not just about me. It is about this football club, my team-mates, my family, my partner and my close friends," Hall said.
"Ultimately they have suffered grief over some of my wrongdoings and I have to take them into consideration.
"I think the easiest thing to do is to tell myself I am playing good football and don't want to desert my teammates, but the issue is a lot bigger than that."
Hall's decision came after a series of on-field misdemeanours prompted senior club figures, including coach Paul Roos and co-captain Brett Kirk, to question his desire to continue playing.
The latest was punching Adelaide defender Ben Rutten, in Hall's last game in round 13, for which he was handed a two-game suspension.
Last season he was banned for seven matches for infamously striking West Coast Eagle Brent Staker.

 

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