HALL of Fame inductee Barry Hall says he has lasting regret for the infamous 2008 punch that knocked out West Coast defender Brent Staker.
Hall, who came from a boxing background before enjoying a decorated AFL career, was banned for six games for the crude hit on Staker in a game against the Eagles in 2008.
Speaking at the Australian Football Hall of Fame induction dinner at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday night, Hall said he remains ashamed of the incident.
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"I do a lot of speaking stuff and guys like to be guys and say, 'Ah, that was great'. It's just a load of crap, it wasn't great," Hall said.
"I'm a father now and I don't want my boy seeing his dad do that."
Barry Hall after knocking out Brent Staker with 2008's brutal punch. Picture: AFL Photos
"Brent Staker has to live with that. I'm sure if his mates are like mine, they remind him every day about it.
"Maybe in a light-hearted way, but he has to live through that.
"People he doesn't know will be reminding him of it, so that does bother me.
"I've apologised, but Brent Staker has to live through that."
A badly concussed Staker is helped from the SCG. Picture: AFL Photos
Hall also admitted he should have been suspended for the 2005 grand final that saw the Swans defeat the Eagles.
Hall was cited for striking St Kilda's Matt Maguire in the preliminary final, but successfully argued the incident took place "in play" rather than "behind play".
"There was a bit of a clause and we had a good QC," Hall said.
"The number one ticketholder at that stage got us a private jet.
"We had a limo at Essendon airport, got off the charge at the tribunal, got back on the private jet, went back home, it was quite enjoyable.
"It was a tense week.
"There was a little glitch in the rules and we knew that.
"I shouldn't have played.
"If rules are rules, I shouldn't have played in the grand final. I hit a guy."
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