Two delisted players have joined new clubs as the first delisted free agency period draws to a close, with former Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow going to the Gold Coast Suns, and Ricky Henderson signing with the Hawthorn Hawks.
Barlow signed a two-year deal to join the Suns.
“The opportunity that arose and the presentation Marcus Ashcroft and Rodney Eade put to me was at the high end and the demographic of the group as well,” said Barlow.
“I’m just super excited to come to a group that sees real worth for my attributes.”
“As I said the demographic of the group, we’re going to have four picks inside the top 20 and some players that showed some real growth last year as well as the inclusions of guys like Lyons, Hanley and Witts.”
Barlow was spotted meeting with Gold Coast players earlier in the week – and I don’t want to brag, but I called this more than two months ago.
The Suns and Barlow are a perfect fit. The Suns desperately need some mature heads, big bodies and leadership – while Barlow needs a team where he can have some confidence that he’ll be selected every week.
With Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia leaving the club during the off-season, and Gary Ablett and David Swallow both finishing the season on the sick bench, Barlow can already make a case to be the Suns’ first midfielder picked next year.
“From the outside looking in the past but now being entrenched in it there’s a real excitement around the group speaking to guys like David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli, they can’t speak highly enough of where this club’s going and the dynamics of it internally,” Barlow said.
“There’s perception but then there’s reality, and I take what Rischitelli, Rosa and all that tell me on face value and can’t wait to crack in and get to work as early as the 21st of November and enjoy becoming a Queenslander for at least the next two years.”
In the case of Ricky Henderson, he was delisted by the Crows at the end of the season after eight years and 90 games with Adelaide.
He’s been a handy player at times and shown flashes of serious talent, but regular injuries have prevent him from ever really establishing himself as a regular.
In 2016 he became a depth option at best, surpassed by the likes of Brodie Smith and Rory Laird and only called upon when they were unavailable.
At Hawthorn he’ll have the chance to break in for more games, as the Hawks look to build some depth after trading away club champions Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis this off-season.
Henderson isn’t quite a direct replacement for either of them, but could still fit into the Hawks’ best side next year if they shuffle their line-up around a bit.
At the very least, he should be useful depth to the Hawks if they have injuries in their backline – so long as he himself can stay out of the recovery room.
Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said:
“Ricky is a terrific addition to our list and has the versatility to play both in the midfield and across half-back.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the club and seeing what he can produce in the brown and gold.”
Wilson
Roar Guru
well that is ture
Birdman
Guest
Fair enough but Ricky ain't no Burgoyne
Wilson
Roar Guru
Fair Call. So question to all the Eagles fans would you go for Garlett if he comes available?
Wilson
Roar Guru
don't forget alot berlive that Burgoune would only be around for a year or 2. 6 year later he is still going.
Birdman
Guest
wow - he would need to do something remarkable to still be there in 3 to 4 years but who knows......
David C
Guest
Not comparing them as footballers, just saying there was not a spot available on GC's list until Garlett walked.
Don Freo
Guest
I don't think so. Ballas will be finishing but we will still have Walters and Bennell, Weller, Langdon, Brad Hill around with, perhaps, Liam Ryan in the squad. GC will sort something out next year to allow a trade. I think WC will be very interested.
Wilson
Roar Guru
28 yes but still give us experance without the age of what Mitchell and having Lewis still on the list would have. if we can have him do like we did with Burgoune and get a good 3-4 year out of him it will be good.
Birdman
Guest
I agree Col - a two year deal at the right money is a no-brainer.
Birdman
Guest
If he ends up best 22, I expect him to line up off half back or even on a wing (Hartung may be a tad nervous) - will depend on injuries but good depth player anyway. My only reservation is his age at 28 doesn't seem consistent with Hawthorn's recent list narrative although Ricky doesn't have that much mileage on the clock at 90 games over 8 years.
Birdman
Guest
Yep, the Crows look slightly diminished by losing Lyons and missing Gibbs and Barlow.
Cat
Roar Guru
He won't be going into the draft this year.
Steve J
Roar Guru
Garlett now has the option to put his hand up for the draft knowing that no cluboutside of the WA ones would draft him as he would be unlikely to move. Does he do this and get picked up by Freo at 3 in the psd? Bombers and Lions unlikely to test the waters there. I hope he does
Wilson
Roar Guru
Don do you think that Freo May look at Garlett in the future since suns cut that bit out about him not playing for 2 years.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Rodney Eade has stated that had not Garlett left then there would not have been a vacant spot on the list for them to get Barlow. in my opinion Barlow would have been a good get for any team.
Dave
Guest
Adelaide missed the Barlow boat. Would have improved their flag chances next year
Don Freo
Guest
Barlow says he and the club have been talking for 4 to 5 months. Malceski would have forced no one's hands. He has not been a factor for 3 seasons. I suspect he was pushed. What Garlett does would not impact on Barlow. Different types.
David C
Guest
I don't think it is a coincidence that Barlow was signed at the same time as Garlett being released. GC said they weren't interested in Barlow a few weeks ago but with Malceski retiring and now Garlett walking out, that has freed up a list spot for Barlow.
Don Freo
Guest
No sacrifice. Barlow has been fantastic but all our young midfielders are...fantasticker. The coaching has nothing to cover. The coaching has brought this youth on. Neale, Weller, Blakely, Langdon, Balic, Bennell and the return of Fyfe...joining Mundy , Hill and Hill... There was no game time for Barlow. He knew that. He says he knew that. He trains with these stars. He knows what Freo's midfield is going to be like.
Jakarta Fan
Roar Rookie
Barlow is a great acquisition for the Suns. Freo needed to keep him as he is a ball magnet and uses the ball well. Some players become sacrificial cows to cover over poor coaching decisions.