Barry Hall stars for Cygnet with seven goals

About 2000 people packed Cygnet Oval for AFL Hall of Famer Barry Hall’s one-off game in the SFL – and the star didn’t let them down. SEE THE GALLERY

Former AFL star Barry Hall kicks a goal for Cygnet against Lindisfarne in the SFL. Picture: PATRICK GEE

AFL great Barry Hall has electrified Tasmanian footy with a commanding seven-goal performance for southern club Cygnet as thousands gathered to cheer on the premiership star.

About 2000 people watched on at Cygnet Oval on Saturday as Hall played out the entirety of the game against Lindisfarne from the goalsquare, imposing his monstrous presence on his undersized opponents.

IN PICTURES: BIG BARRY BOOTS A BAG

Parked cars circled the oval with motorists beeping their horns profusely when Hall found the ball, while at each break punters gathered around the 289-game star for selfies and autographs.

Cygnet coach Ben Cato said he was pleased with Hall’s positive influence on his side’s younger players and the way the AFL hall of famer engaged with fans after the game.

Despite booting seven goals, in a game in which the opposition used a spare man to stop most of Hall’s marking contests, the full forward’s efforts weren’t enough to get The Port home, going down to Lindisfarne 16.9 (105) to 16.19 (115).

Speaking after the match, Hall said he was impressed with the standard of game in the Southern Football League.

“It was really good and probably the best standard I’ve played in this year,” he said.

“I always love going to play in country footy — you sense the passion from all involved. It’s good to give back to grassroots footy because whether we like it or not, it’s struggling a bit, so I’m pleased to come out and support it.”

Barry Hall runs out for Cygnet to start the match. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Hall, who is no stranger to making headlines for his on-field tussles, said the match was played in a friendly manner — a style which he said was important to attracting past AFL players to country footy leagues.

“When you get a couple of boofheads who just want to spoil the nature of the game then ex-AFL players won’t want to play and country footy will suffer as a result,” he said.

“I’ve been pretty lucky in that I haven’t been targeted too often — I’ve had it a couple times and it’s mainly just from guys who are just trying to show off to their mates.

“But as soon as you bite back and show you’re serious they back down a little bit, thank god. Because I certainly don’t want to get reported. At the end of the day they won’t be on the front page, I will.”

Hall said he’d planned Saturday’s game to be his last, but said he wouldn’t rule out lacing up the boots once again for The Port.

“My plan was, that’s it, that’s the last game. But I’ve said that before,” he said.

“I love these games, when you see the reaction on locals’ faces and what it means to them it drags me back a bit so at the moment, who knows.”

Barry Hall poses for a a selfie with a fan during the quarter-time huddle. Picture: JAMES KITTO

EARLIER: AFL great Barry Hall has thrilled supporters with an electric first half performance, kicking six goals for The Port at Cygnet Oval today.

With the home side leading Lindisfarne 9.5 (59) to 6.14 (50) at the main break, Hall has been at the heart of The Port’s surge, bagging six of nine majors and looking menacing when attacking the ball.

About 2000 people packed Cygnet oval for Hall’s one-off game in the Southern Football League.

Lindisfarne fullback Matt Phillip was tasked with curbing Hall’s influence in the first half, and despite some brave efforts, including a standout contested mark in the second quarter, the Two Blues made a switch at the end of the first half sending Ryan Martin to Hall.

Hall was a clear fan favourite at the break with supporters seen interrupting the team huddle to ask for a selfie and share their fondness of the 289-game premiership player.