An emotional Michael Barlow has thanked Fremantle fans for their support since his departure from the Dockers and said there were 17 other teams he would continue his AFL career with - including cross-town rival West Coast.
And the hugely popular 28-year-oldĀ also dropped a massive hint about coach Ross Lyon's long-term plans for the embattled club after a disastrous 4-18 season in 2016.
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Michael Barlow opens up on delisting
Former Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow explained his feelings leading up to his delisting.
"The whole football world knows the direction Fremantle is going...Ā there's got to be some collateral [damage] along the way," Barlow told Radio 6PR's Breakfast program.
"I'm a 28-year-oldĀ who wasĀ uncontractedĀ and probably the next one out the door regardless of form, andĀ potentialĀ character."
Barlow said he saw the writing on the wall his Fremantle career was overĀ after suffering a shoulder injury in round 16 and, as WAtodayĀ reported last week,Ā was prepared for the bad news ahead of his end-of-season meeting with Lyon yesterday.
"I didn't walk into the meeting yesterday with any hope of a contract offer," he said.
Rumours Barlow will resume his career in South Australia for Adelaide were not denied either.
"There's been some constructive approaches over the past ...Ā little period, I'm aware of the interest, and there'sĀ some pretty strong interest, which is pleasing," he said.
![Michael Barlow](/web/20161028205711im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/m/e/s/5/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gs9vre.png/1477443886773.jpg)
"But it'd be prettyĀ negligent of me to come out and declare any particular club, at this stage."
The midfielder, who fought back from a horror broken leg suffered in round 14 against Port Adelaide inĀ 2010 and epitomisedĀ the new brand of tough, uncompromising football under Lyon, said he believed he was contributing enough for the clubĀ in 2016Ā to warrant a contract extension.
![Michael Barlow told his Twitter followers he is leaving the Fremantle Dockers.](/web/20161028205711im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/9/e/7/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gs9vre.png/1477443886773.jpg)
"I would have loved to have had a decision to make, and be offered a contract," he said.
"I finished eighth in the best and fairest from onlyĀ half a season, so getting the news that you're theĀ next one out the door, that's probably the hardest one to cop."
I didn't walk into the meeting yesterday with any hope of a contract offer
Michael Barlow
Barlow said although he knew his time was up before yesterday's official confirmation, his meeting with Lyon was the hardest thing about leaving the club.
"My respect for Ross Lyon... IĀ get a bit emotional even when IĀ talk about him...Ā he's had such a big impact not just on my football, but also my life," Barlow said.
"To haveĀ to make the eye contact yesterday, and everything become official, that was theĀ hardest thing about the whole process... just having a discussionĀ with a man IĀ respect so fondly.
"But at the end of the day we will always have a good relationship and he had to toĀ whatĀ wasĀ 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'veĀ never felt as confident in my future and to be honest IĀ 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 toĀ answer all the questions as well as IĀ could about my future," he said.
"But I've never been more motivated... I'm so excited about what the future holds.Ā
"It started this morning...Ā 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."
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