Barry Hall pondering future in NFL - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Barry Hall pondering future in NFL

By Greg Buckle 10/08/2008 12:23:37 PM Comments (0)

Sydney's fiery forward Barry Hall was back in match-winning form for the Swans on Saturday night but his future may be in the NFL.

Hall and Swans player development consultant Phil Mullen met with representatives of Australia-based NFL talent scout representatives in Sydney five days ago.

Hall, 31, told Fairfax newspapers he would "listen to any opportunity".

Swans coach Paul Roos on Sunday played down talk that Hall was keen to quit the AFL.

"Hally is contracted until the end of 2009 so we don't have any fears about him leaving before that," Roos told AAP.

"I wouldn't think he is seriously entertaining that (NFL). Players are always curious about different things."

Hall has played 10 games in the first 19 rounds, kicking 25 goals in a season interrupted by two suspensions from the AFL Tribunal and also a club ban over anger-management issues.

The three-time All-Australian kicked the winning goal on Saturday night as the Swans came from behind to beat 13th-placed Fremantle by four points at the SCG and strengthen their hold on fourth spot.

According to reports, Hall will decide in the next few days whether to accept an offer to trial with American clubs Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco and Oakland.

"But the reality is I am contracted to the Swans next year and I intend to fulfil that," Hall told Fairfax.

"While I'll listen to any opportunity for the future, my focus is on the Swans."

OzPunt representative Paul Shepherd said: "We've been approached by some NFL clubs to talk to Barry to see if he's interested in coming over."

Other AFL stars to join NFL ranks have included Melbourne's Darren Bennett, ex-Cat Ben Graham and former Collingwood and North Melbourne full-forward Saverio Rocca.

Meanwhile another controversial Sydney forward, Nick Davis, was seen having a five-minute chat with Fremantle coach Mark Harvey on Saturday night.

Davis, with his former rugby league-playing manager Lance Thompson shopping him around the AFL, has expressed interest in joining several clubs including Carlton and West Coast.

On crutches with a season-ending knee injury after being dropped to the reserves earlier in the season, the out-of-favour goalsneak hobbled out onto the SCG before the senior game to speak to Harvey.

Roos said he was unaware of the conversation but added it could have been just a social chat.

"Lance has already contacted a number of clubs," Roos said.

"Whether he has contacted Fremantle I don't know."

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