If the club had chosen to move to the sunshine state, the former Broadbeach junior would have been returning home.
And if the Roos stayed, Hale could continue life in the city he has called home for his entire adult life.
As it happened, Hale and the Kangaroos are staying in Melbourne, which is fine by him.
“Either way for me, it wouldn’t have mattered a great deal,” Hale said from the relaxed surroundings of Lakes Entrance at the club’s AFL Telstra Community Camp last week.
“I’ve still got family and friends on the Gold Coast but this is my seventh year with the Kangaroos. I’ve settled in to Melbourne life and love it down here.
“All the supporters you know from the games and the functions were keen for us to stay in Melbourne and it would have been a drastic change.”
The AFL has since announced plans to establish a 17th side on the Gold Coast by 2011.
By then, Hale will be 27 years old and a possible recruiting target for the new club. And he does not rule out a return home down the track.
“You’d have to look at it if it came around,” he said.
“It won’t happen for a couple of years but it is something I’d have to consider if they approached me.
“You can never say never I suppose. It would be nice to play up there with my family and where I grew up but time will tell.”
But for now Kangaroos fans can rest easy because Hale is comfortably settled at Arden St.
“I’m very happy here and love the club. Hopefully I can get a few more years and if we can win a premiership, that is the main goal.”
Hale hopes to get more ground time this year as he duels with Hamish McIntosh for the No.1 ruck position.
“‘H’ had a really good season last year and I’m not sure what Dean’s plans are - obviously I will be rucking at some stage,” Hale said.
“Whether or not I spend more time up forward or in the ruck I’m not sure.”
