Dumped Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow joins Gold Coast Suns in bid to kickstart AFL career
Updated
Midfielder Michael Barlow is set to continue his AFL career in Queensland after the discarded Fremantle Docker signed a deal with the Gold Coast Suns.
Barlow, 28, was delisted by the Dockers last month after playing 126 games and kicking 81 goals in seven seasons.
The Victorian was drafted as a mature-aged recruit in the 2009 rookie draft.
Barlow said he was looking forward to extending his career with the Suns for "at least" the next two seasons.
"The opportunity that arose and the presentation (general manager of football operations) Marcus Ashcroft and (head coach) Rodney Eade put to me was at the high end," he said in a statement.
"I'm just super excited to come to a group that sees real worth for my attributes.
"We're going to have four picks inside the top 20 and some players that showed some real growth last year, as well as the inclusions of guys like (Jarryd) Lyons, (Pearce) Hanley and (Jarrod) Witts."
Barlow struggled with form and fitness in 2016, but still managed to average 24 disposals before a shoulder injury ended his year in round 17.
He said he was motivated by Gold Coast's promising future.
"Speaking to guys like David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli, they can't speak highly enough of where this club's going and the dynamics of it internally," Barlow said.
"There's perception but then there's reality ... [I] can't wait to crack in and get to work as early as the 21st of November and enjoy becoming a Queenslander for at least the next two years."
Barlow won the AFL Players' Association best first-year player award in 2010 and three Ross Glendinning Medals, awarded to the player judged best afield in a Western Derby.
Topics: australian-football-league, sport, fremantle-6160, surfers-paradise-4217, wa, qld
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