We know who's in the leadership group at Freo, but who's in the spiritual leadership group? I've not doubt that Barlow would have a gig there.
It goes without saying that it would damage the fabric of the family if he was sold off, and would send a bad message to the other players that this team is a bunch of mercenaries, and anyone's name could come up. Crowley was bad enough - but there were factors including his age and being out of contract.
He's a long way from retiring but I'll look forward to seeing what Barlow does after footy. Will it be media or coaching? Obviously a media career is waiting, but, I've thought for a long time that he must be Lyon's protege, indeed his spiritual heir. Ross would see a lot of himself in Barlow - tough midfielder, intelligent, laconic sense of humour. I reckon, years down the track, Ross will give assistant coaching opportunities to his spiritual son in Barlow.
