The rumours delisted Fremantle player Michael Barlow could be heading to the Gold Coast are gathering momentum after he was spotted at a cafe with Suns players.
Barlow was axed by the Dockers last month after 126 games with the club over seven seasons.
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Michael Barlow opens up on delisting
Former Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow explained his feelings leading up to his delisting.
The 28-year-old still finished 8th in the club's fairest and best despite only playing half a season due to injury and poor form.
The midfielder was snapped in a Gold Coast cafe on Sunday afternoon with Suns players Matt Rosa and David Swallow.
@AdelaideYid @mbarlow21 with some Gold Coast players pic.twitter.com/NA4iV2Ot3Y
— Jerka Jenkins (@M_Jenkins4) November 7, 2016
Barlow has been linked to a number of AFL clubs since his delisting, and there was strong speculation he was heading to the Adelaide Crows, but WAtoday understands the deal fell over.
Barlow could be the perfect fit for the Gold Coast midfield after onball duo Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia requested trades to Hawthorn and Richmond.
Barlow said previously he knew his Fremantle career was over after suffering a shoulder injury in round 16 and he was prepared for the bad news ahead of his end-of-season meeting with coach Ross Lyon.
"I didn't walk into the meeting yesterday with any hope of a contract offer," he said.
Barlow said although he knew his time was up before the club's official confirmation, his meeting with Lyon was the hardest thing about leaving the club.
"My respect for Ross Lyon... I get a bit emotional even when I talk about him... he's had such a big impact not just on my football, but also my life," Barlow said.
"To have to make the eye contact yesterday, and everything become official, that was the hardest thing about the whole process... just having a discussion with a man I respect so fondly.
"But at the end of the day we will always have a good relationship and he had to to what was best for his interests and the football club's interest, and we won't agree on that, but at the end of the day it is what it it is."
Barlow admitted the constant speculation about his future this year had taken its toll.
"I've never felt as confident in my future and to be honest I feel like there's a weight off my shoulders from having to toe the club line for the entire year and maintain a stoic nature to answer all the questions as well as I could about my future," he said.
"But I've never been more motivated... I'm so excited about what the future holds.Â
"It started this morning... I jumped out of bed, took the dog for a walk, and had a big smile on the face."
And would he consider playing for bitter rivals West Coast?
"I'd play for 17 other clubs at the moment, I've only ruled a line through one."
With David Prestipino.
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