Michael Barlow ‘to seek opportunities elsewhere’

Out of contract Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow appears likely to continue his career elsewhere in 2017.

Speaking to EON Sports Radio on Wednesday morning, Barlow said it appears unlikely that Fremantle will retain his services for next season.

“I’ve always got a soft spot for Victoria and I have to do my due-diligence with my management to make sure that I’m getting the best result for myself,” Barlow said

“The club and I have been really mature in our discussion about where I sit in the framework and that it might be best to seek opportunities elsewhere."

Barlow said that if he is forced to move on, he will hold no ill feeling towards the Dockers.

“It’s the nature of the industry and if I do move on and find an opportunity elsewhere, I will never begrudge the club,” he said.

“Fremantle has been an important part of my AFL career and and it’s been fantastic in my development as a footballer and a person.

“However, the club is bigger than any individual and they’ve got to do what’s right for them.

“I know I have the capacity to continue to play, wherever that may be, but I haven’t closed the door on anything and I’m remaining very diplomatic on it.”

Barlow's manager, Marty Pask, told SEN Radio earlier this month that his client has interest from "a handful of clubs, a couple of them Victorian," as he weighs up his future.