Swans won't rush Hall decision

SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos says the club won’t be rushed into a decision on the future of suspended forward Barry Hall as it strives to reach a positive outcome for all parties.

Hall accepted a two-game suspension this week after being reported for striking Adelaide defender Ben Rutten last weekend.

The 32-year-old wrote in his regular Sydney newspaper column on Friday that he was seriously considering resigning as a Swans player and continuing his career at another club in 2010.

Roos said that whatever the decision about Hall’s future, his contribution to the club would be taken into account.

“When I arrived in 1995, I was fortunate to play with Tony Lockett and I’ve seen some great players come and go through this footy club. Hally’s revered at this footy club,” he said before training at the SCG on Friday.

“We love him and whatever happens, we’ll certainly take into consideration Barry Hall as well as the footy club.

“What we don’t want to happen is for either party to walk away bitter or for something happen and that’s why we’re going to take our time with the process.”

Roos said he had met with Hall during the week and emphasised the high esteem in which he was held at the Sydney Swans.

“One thing that I was very clear to Hally about is that I love Barry Hall. I genuinely like him as a person,” he said.

“I think what he’s done for this footy club is fantastic and I want a positive outcome for the footy club and for Barry Hall.

“If he plays again next year and it doesn’t happen to be at this football club, I’ll be the first one to ring him and wish him all the best, but… I don’t know what’s going to transpire.”

Roos said the club’s coaching staff and match committee were yet to have a meeting to discuss Hall’s situation, with preparation for Sunday’s game against North Melbourne taking priority.