Expectation no burden for Barry: Bolton
Craig Bolton says Barry Hall does not face pressure from expectation over his return to the Swan
"We're not too concerned if he's not getting the ball, or kicking goals. As long as he's doing his role -- that might be helping out other guys in the forward line," Bolton said on Friday.
Bolton's words echo the comments made by coach Paul Roos on Thursday about Hall and his own perception of how he contributes to the side.
"He doesn't have to kick five goals. He is part of the team. If he does kick five then great but if they double-team him and drags players away to give space for other forwards then he's done his job for the team," Roos said.
Bolton said he understood as a defender the frustration key forwards like Hall can feel when they are marked closely.
"I think it's one of those things that have been frustrating Barry. He obviously has had a lot of players double-teaming him in the past or numbers dropping back," Bolton said today.
"It's great for us to have him back. I think he's already mentioned that he wants to do the team things."
Bolton added he'd spoken with Hall on a number of occasions over the last few weeks since his second suspension for the season.
"He's responded well to the situation and has taken full responsibility for the incidents that happened ... he's looking forward to getting back.
"We as players have been really pleased to see the way he's taken it all on board, but we won't be expecting anything special.
"He's just got to get out there and do his role."
Bolton added that he didn't expect the Crows defenders to go out of their way to rile Hall - a tactic used to good effect against Brendan Fevola by the Saints defence recently.
The Swans defender described the Crows, who has lost its last five in a row this season, as "always tough and well organised", particularly with the expected return of key forward Jason Porplyzia.
The Crows in ninth spot but in freefall since round 12 have an excellent record against the Swans with a 9-5 record at the SCG stretching back to 1991. The home side, in fourth spot, is going in undermanned with Michael O'Loughlin and Leo Barry both out and injury clouds over Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe.