Hall, who returns this Saturday for the Swans’ NAB Challenge clash against Melbourne at Visy Park, was suspended for seven weeks for punching Eagles defender Brent Staker and later received a one-week ban for an attempted strike on Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin.
But the burly spearhead said before training on Thursday that he had put those controversial incidents behind him following an injury-free pre-season.
“I’m really confident [and] my mind’s settled. I’m really happy off field and… my main focus this year is to play 22 games. That’s my main focus and I’m just hoping form will take care of itself.
While he still regrets the Staker incident, Hall felt he had never lost his teammates’ trust during his time away from the side.
“Although it was a bad incident and I certainly wouldn’t want it to happen again, I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from it,” he said.
“I’ve got to be careful about saying I’m glad it happened, but I’m glad it happened for different reasons, because I’ve learnt a lot from it and hopefully I’ll take that into this season.”
Hall, 32, said he was yet to speak with the club hierarchy about his playing future beyond this year.
“I haven’t spoken to [the club] about that yet and I guess it depends on how I play. But I think in terms of contract-wise… if I go out playing to get another contract it won’t happen,” he said.
“I’ve got to play for my footy club and I’ve got to play for my teammates. The contract might happen then, but if I go out playing to try and get a contract, I’d be surprised if it happens.”
Hall said a move to professional boxing was still on the cards, but he wanted to redeem himself after a controversy-ridden 2008.
“It obviously crossed my mind [last year], but I want to do it the right way and fulfilling my contract at the Swans was something that I wanted to do,” he said.
“Going out with my head held high at the Swans was a main priority for me.”
Dream Team watch – Barry Hall is rated a $355,600 forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
