TonyK
CibbuanoGale questions Hall sanction
July 9th 2008 00:42
AFL Players' Asssociation chief executive Brendon Gale has expressed concern about Sydney pyschologist Grant Brecht having sole authority to determine when spearhead Barry Hall can return to the AFL.
The Swans suspended Hall indefinitely on Monday saying he was not mentally fit to play in the AFL at the moment following his one-match suspension for attempting to strike Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Hall's latest indisrection comes in just his third match back following the completion of a seven-match suspension for striking West Coast utility Brent Staker in a behind-the-play incident in round four.
Gale said it wasn't clear what benchmarks Hall had to reach before he was allowed to return.
"It appears that he'll be re-selected at the arbitrary decision-making of a pyschologist," Gale said.
"By what standard? By what measurement? If he's fit, willing and able to play and available for selection, you'd think Barry Hall on his merits and on form would be selected.
"I'm concerned about the indefinite nature of it."
Gale is hopeful of a discussion with Hall soon while the AFLPA will also speak to the Swans.
He also said the AFLPA would not get an independent assessment of Hall's mental state.
"We'll back the club. They've got a vested interest to make sure Barry's right," Gale said.
"Our understanding is he's got some personal issues."
The Swans suspended Hall indefinitely on Monday saying he was not mentally fit to play in the AFL at the moment following his one-match suspension for attempting to strike Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Hall's latest indisrection comes in just his third match back following the completion of a seven-match suspension for striking West Coast utility Brent Staker in a behind-the-play incident in round four.
Gale said it wasn't clear what benchmarks Hall had to reach before he was allowed to return.
"It appears that he'll be re-selected at the arbitrary decision-making of a pyschologist," Gale said.
"By what standard? By what measurement? If he's fit, willing and able to play and available for selection, you'd think Barry Hall on his merits and on form would be selected.
"I'm concerned about the indefinite nature of it."
Gale is hopeful of a discussion with Hall soon while the AFLPA will also speak to the Swans.
He also said the AFLPA would not get an independent assessment of Hall's mental state.
"We'll back the club. They've got a vested interest to make sure Barry's right," Gale said.
"Our understanding is he's got some personal issues."
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