We can look at it this way.
How many young Swans did Barry protect in his Swans career? If you were a young LRT or McVeigh you would have felt safer being on that field with Barry alongside you. Opposition players most probably left our young players alone because they didn’t want to risk the wrath of Barry?
Barry’s very presence gave our young guys and team confidence.
Would Carlton in 2017 have physicaly gone after a young Mills at the MCG if Barry was close by?
How many parents of young Swans players felt better knowing that Barry was their to protect their sons?
He was an amazing player and his influence on the Swans during his time was unparalleled.
It’s sad that many fans have taken the Paul Roos position of how Barry let the the team down.
I’m glad that Barry finished his career well under Rodney Eade at the Bulldogs. He said after retirement in 2011 that he saw himself as a Bulldog despite being a Saint and a Swan.
It’s good that the Swans and Barry are coming back together now.
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