FORMER local Ed Barlow has been given a second chance in the Australian Football League (AFL).
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The 23-year-old was selected by Western Bulldogs with pick 55 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft on Monday.
After a disappointing 2010 season, which included several injuries and a form slump, Barlow was delisted by Sydney Swans in mid-October.
He was originally selected by the club in the 2006 rookie draft and played 26 games for the Swans, kicking 18 goals.
However, Barlow managed just one game this season, against Geelong Cats in round seven.
In the past few weeks, Barlow joined the Bulldogs for their pre-season training, impressing the club enough with his work ethic to be picked as a rookie.
Barlow spent his junior footy years at the Tathra Australian Rules Football Club before attending Scotch College in Melbourne from 2003-2005.
The following year he moved up to Sydney to play for the Swans.
Tathra club president Dave Gartside said he was pleased with Barlow’s selection.
“It’s good to see Ed get another chance,” he said.
“By all reports it was good signs (that Bulldogs would select Barlow) but we had our fingers crossed because you never know until on the day.
“He’s only a rookie but at least he is on a club list again.”
Gartside said Barlow would have to be patient but could be successful at his new club.
“He has had a difficult couple of years with injuries but he might just suit the Bulldogs’ running style of play with their open, free play making,” he said.
“It’s really good to see Ed rewarded for hard work.
“The club is very proud and hopefully he can break through now.”
Monday’s draft also saw Merimbula footballer Sam Martyn selected by Adelaide Crows with pick 84.