Despite being delisted by the Fremantle Dockers after 126 games over seven seasons, Michael Barlow still believes he has plenty to offer at AFL level.
The Shepparton United product averaged 24.5 disposals over 13 games in 2016 before his season was ended prematurely with a left shoulder injury. Barlow also ranked 26th in the league in average contested possessions per game (11.4 per game) and will add some real grunt to a new-look Gold Coast SUNS engine room.
“I know I have a lot more AFL football left in me,” Barlow told SUNS TV on Tuesday.
“It’s been a really tough, to be honest, probably the last six-seven months knowing the transition was coming and the uncertainty of it all.
READ: Photo a surprise, says Barlow
“When trade period finished and the delisted free agency stuff has really assisted me and will help some other players as well so I’m just super excited to sign on here for the next two years and really grateful to Rodney Eade, Marcus Ashcroft and the Gold Coast SUNS for the opportunity.”
After a securing a two-year contract on the Gold Coast, Barlow won’t be letting complacency creep into his mindset and is extremely excited to join the remainder of the SUNS playing list when they return to pre-season training on Monday, November 21.
The inside midfielder has admitted he has two goals driving him ahead of the 2017 season.
“As I said before I’m here to continue to improve myself and get the most out of myself as an AFL footballer,” Barlow said.
READ: Pre-season report, day one
“But also I’m motivated by improving others and as I keep saying, the demographic of this group. A young group outside of guys like [Michael] Rischitelli and [Gary] Ablett and I feel like I add a layer of experience.
“I’ve played 125 games and have been to a Grand Final and if I can pass on any sort of information or assistance to those younger guys coming through.
“I think when you get to 28 and you’ve been around a while, you get a bit of a bite in your step when you’re around these younger players. They’re just so enthusiastic to learn and improve and succeed so I get goosebumps and hairs on the back of the neck stand up a little bit now talking about it.
“So I’m just really, really excited to be here on the Gold Coast and get stuck into it.”
