Barlow puts his doubts to rest

MICHAEL Barlow has revealed his absence from the AFL early in the season had him doubt his future at the Suns.

But his call up for Gold Coast’s 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62) loss to Adelaide has the 30year-old, who is out of contract this year, confident he can play on beyond 2018.

Barlow has fought his way back from a second broken leg, suffered while playing against Carlton in Round 13 last season.

The Suns leader recovered and regained his fitness but was overlooked for the club’s first five games of the AFL season despite his form in the NEAFL.

“I was really keen to play but I respected the match committee’s calls,” Barlow said.

“I sucked up the pride a bit and dug in for the greater good.

“I feel I validated my form. I had moments where I was a bit frustrated and disappointed but that was on the back of performing at the lower level.

“You can have self-doubt on where you are at and what the future holds.

“Subconsciously (the contract) always pops in to your mind.

“The only time I have been out of contract in my career was when I finished up at Fremantle (in 2016).”

Barlow recorded 23 disposals and kicked a goal in the Suns loss at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in what was a disappointing

performance by most of the side.

But Barlow’s ability to resurrect his career again has the elite runner believing he has multiple years at the top level still left in him.

“I want to do it and I have the drive to do it,” Barlow said.

“To test yourself against the best and know you still have the ability in your own mind, that is where I’m at.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I want to play as well as I can, prepare as well as I can and then whatever will be will be.

“I’m a big believer that things will turn out if you put the work in and I’m feeling like I’m capable of continuing to play, which I do.

“It might be different in six or seven weeks’ time or 14 to 16 weeks down the track.”