Leo Barry becomes on-field doctor - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Leo Barry becomes on-field doctor

By Greg Buckle 31/08/2008 12:07:37 PM Comments (0)

The sight of Sydney's Leo Barry trying to force Tadhg Kennelly's shoulder back into its socket during Saturday's win over Brisbane was amusing yet painful to watch.

Swans co-captain Barry turned into a self-appointed team doctor when he saw the Irish halfback's troublesome shoulder pop out during the second quarter of the round-22 AFL match at Sydney Cricket Ground.

As Kennelly held his arm at a weird angle to signal to the bench to send out team doctor Nathan Gibbs, fullback Barry took matters into his own hands.

"I've practiced it a little bit at training actually. I've tried to get the technique right but I need a little bit of practice," Barry said on Sunday at a Swans recovery session at Clovelly Beach.

"I've tried it a couple of times on the ground but I haven't been successful. I need to do a bit more work with the doctor and the physio this week.

"It wasn't painful for me, Tadhg I'm not too sure about."

As if to underline there's little room for emotion in football during the heat of battle, Barry continued: "The problem is when he's like that, we're a man down in defence.

"So if we were able to get him back on board, it might help us a bit.

"I just spoke to Tadhg about how Nathan does it.

"His shoulder is that stuffed anyway. I couldn't do any more damage.

"He said I got it half in so look I've only got another half to do and it should be right."

Kennelly left the field midway through the second quarter but returned five minutes later and gathered 14 possessions, no doubt hoping his shoulder held together long enough to avoid another encounter with "Doctor" Barry.

Barry was pleased with his side's strong attack on the football, something he felt had been lacking in Sydney's six losses in their previous eight matches.

"It was probably that real intent to put pressure on the opposition team. That was probably the best thing to come out of the game," the 2005 premiership fullback said ahead of Sydney's sixth consecutive finals campaign.

"We know under finals pressure, that's what really stands up."

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