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Everyone is happy Barry Hall is happy – or so says his former coach Paul Roos. But it would be easy to assume there was at least a twinge of regret when the Swans greeted their former forward in his new colours on Saturday.
Against the Western Bulldogs, Sydney were put in their place by a comprehensive 38-points – and that Hall was the standout player must have hurt at least a little.
He booted five goals in all, and had a hand in a couple of others.
From his first major 75 seconds in, Hall tackled hard, crashed through the packs, and finished with 19 valuable disposals.
Most impressive was when the 33-year-old successfully ran down Sydney youngster Gary Rohan as he tried to run the ball out of defence.
Hall may have looked worse for wear afterwards, limping slightly from the contest, but it was a sign there’s plenty left in the big forward yet.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade sang Hall’s praises post-match and not just his contribution to the number of goals kicked.
“If you were going to measure it in goals, you would probably call an eight-goal game,” Eade said.
“(But) if Barry had done the same and kicked two we would have been extremely pleased.
“That’s the real measure when we look at Barry – his pressure skills and his assists as well – that’s the main thing we want from Barry.”
For Roos, it was a bittersweet reunion.
But asked about regrets, he denied there were any on either side.
“Barry left the club last year and it was his decision to leave the club,” said Roos.
“I don’t think he’d have any regret.
“We hope that he finishes up his career really, really well.
“I wasn’t really happy about it today, because he played against us, but we couldn’t be happier for Hally that he’s playing well.”
Despite claims Hall wouldn’t be targeted, some of his ex-premiership teammates were more than happy to give him some attention throughout the match.
Hall and Tadhg Kennelly tangled in the first quarter as the Irishman came off the field, then Hall was heavily brought to ground as two Swans laid tackles early in the second.
But a few minutes later, Hall had got the hang of it himself, barging through Rhyce Shaw as he took a running grab inside 50m.
A fifth goal followed to ensure he had the last laugh.
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