Hall made his debut for St Kilda in 1996 and fourteen years later, has 250 games (162 of those for the Swans) and 611 goals (467 for the Swans) to his name. The forward was traded to Sydney following the 2001 season and made his debut for the Swans in 2002.
He has been the leading goalkicker in every season at the Swans, last year equalling Len Mortimer’s Club record, and was leading the tally this season with 31 goals. His career best haul was in his final season at the Saints, kicking 8.2 against the Western Bulldogs.
In season 2004 the marquee player was named Sydney Swans Best and Fairest as well as earning All-Australian selection. He followed that up with consecutive All-Australian appearances in 2005 and 2006 as well as playing in the International Rules Series in 2003 and 2006; in the latter he was co-captain.
From 2005-2007, the 32 year-old was a co-captain of the Club, and held the premiership cup aloft on the dais in 2005, when the Swans broke a 72-year premiership drought.
In 2008, Hall won the Paul Roos Award for the best player in the finals and was awarded life membership of the Sydney Swans.
Hall has made a hard decision but it is something that he feels is right for all those associated.
“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.
“So over the last few days I have stepped back and tried to look at it as an outsider and control what I can control, which has led me to this decision.
“I am forever indebted to this footy Club. I have no doubt I wouldn’t even be playing the game if it wasn’t for the Club and despite what has happened, I still think I am walking away from the Club a better person than when I walked in.
“There are so many people I need to thank and I will in good time. But special mention has to go to Stan Alves who was my first coach and gave me the opportunity to play, to the St Kilda Football Club who drafted me, and then obviously to Sydney. To the supporters, members, players, coaches and all those who have taken an interest in my career, thank you.
“The next step for me is unclear, but in time, I will work through it.”
Not only a crowd favourite but also a staunch favourite amongst the playing group and coaching staff; Hall will be missed following this amicable decision.
“It is definitely a sad day for the Sydney Swans Football Club; one of our greatest ever players has decided to retire, but I also think it must be a time of celebration, to reflect on what has been an outstanding career,” coach Paul Roos said about Hall’s decision.
“As his coach for the last six years I will remember Hally as one of the genuine superstars of the game; his ability to be a match winner enabled him to take us to the level of the 2005 Premiership.
“His consistent performance over those six years has allowed him to be not only a premiership captain, but a Club Best and Fairest, an All-Australian, a life member and a multiple leading goalkicker at this footy Club.
“What we also get to see that many others don’t is the Barry Hall off the field. He is one of the most likeable and easygoing characters that I have come across. This, despite the number of ups and downs in his career, has enabled him to remain one of the most popular figures amongst teammates and coaches.
“Barry Hall will always be a revered figure of this footy Club and whatever he chooses to do in the future we wish him all the best, and he knows he will always be welcome at the Sydney Swans.”
The Swans will officially farewell Hall, and give fans the opportunity to farewell him, at this weekend’s game against Essendon at the SCG. The Club will advise exact details when they are organised and confirmed.
