Delisted Docker Barlow: “I’ve never felt as confident in my future”
Midfielder Michael Barlow says he’s received strong interest from AFL clubs in signing him following his delisting by Fremantle.
The 28-year-old’s release by the Dockers on Monday came as no shock, with Barlow admitting the “writing was on the wall” following an up-and-down season that included his relegation to the WAFL in May and a shoulder injury.
“I knew my time was up and in reality I feel it’s really the best thing for me and my football,” he told 6PR yesterday.
Barlow played 126 games in seven seasons with Fremantle.
He was recruited as a mature-age rookie after starring in the VFL, and a strong debut year in 2010 saw him finish 21st in the Brownlow Medal race, despite his season ending prematurely with a badly broken leg.
He also played in Fremantle’s 2013 grand final loss to Hawthorn.
Barlow admitted not being offered a new deal was hard to take considering his eighth-place in the best-and-fairest race despite an interrupted year.
But his management had fielded “constructive approaches” in the off-season.
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“There’s some good, strong interest which is really pleasing,” he said.
“I’ve never felt as confident in my future.”
Adelaide has been linked to the strong-bodied midfielder after it failed to secure Bryce Gibbs from Carlton in the trade period window.
-AAP
