Dew: Why Barlow was given release

SUNS coach Stuart Dew says it was hard to let experienced midfielder Michael Barlow go but believed his lack of versatility ultimately brought him undone.

Dew opened up about Barlow’s exit meeting and revealed why the club decided to cut the 30-year-old, who has played 141 AFL games.

“We saw him purely as an inside midfielder but we had Jarryd Lyons, (Touk) Miller, (David) Swallow and then Will Brodie late,” Dew said.

“(Barlow) was parked in behind them and probably got his jaw injury at the wrong time.

“His best form was probably when we had our best form which kept him out.

“Then we played him on the wing in the last game (against Geelong) but I’m not sure he is a true wingman.

“That is probably a good example of why we need midfielders but guys with a bit more flexibility.”

Dew said the club was open about Barlow’s position on the list throughout the season.

“It’s never easy to tell someone that their time is done at this club,” he said.

“He probably saw himself in our side a lot.”