MICHAEL Barlow has rubbished suggestions that he was on the trade table as Fremantle searched for a deal to secure Greater Western Sydney forward Cam McCarthy during the NAB AFL Trade Period.
The Dockers spent much of October trying to come up with a deal that would see the Giants relinquish McCarthy who is contracted until the end of 2017.
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Barlow said he was never a part of any trade discussions.
"I didn't really pay too much attention to it," Barlow said on Friday.
"I only go off the discussions I have with the people that make the decisions.
"That's who is really close to me, Ross (Lyon) and Bondy (Chris Bond).
"Nothing was ever mentioned to me in regards to that. So I don't get caught up in the innuendo of rumours and speculation, because I trust those guys with my life and my career.
"I never ever thought about giving up the mortgage in Melville and moving anywhere else because I'm a contracted player and have loved what this football club has provided to me and I just can't give it enough back."
Barlow, who turns 28 in a fortnight, has returned to pre-season training in terrific shape following his first injury-free off-season since he was drafted as a rookie in 2010.
He finished third in the 3km time trial on Wednesday and trained strongly on Friday. The Dockers' main squad took part in a two-hour session mixing ball movement drills and goalkicking with some solid running and agility work.
Veterans Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Michael Johnson all took part in the main session. Experienced midfielders Nat Fyfe and David Mundy were notable absentees, with Fyfe training in the gym. Harley Bennell trained with a rehab group that included Zac Clarke, Shane Yarran and Michael Apeness.
Anthony Morabito looked in superb shape as he did the full session followed by some extra top-speed agility work at the end.
Young key position players Matt Taberner and Jack Hannath also took part in a gruelling one-on-one grappling, marking and running drill at the end of the session.
The second-year midfield trio of Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon and Lachie Weller looked primed for a strong pre-season.
Barlow said the midfield depth at Fremantle next season would keep all the senior players on their toes.
"On a personal note, I never feel comfortable with my spot in the team at the start of any pre-season," Barlow said.
"Guys like Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon, Lachie Weller, who had really exceptional years, they'll all come in and put some acid on some players who have been in the senior team for quite some time.
"As long as we're having these discussions and the competition for spots is really healthy, the club's in a really healthy position.”
