Barnard broke the news about his retirement to his teammates in a team meeting before the first Elimination Final against Fremantle. ""I sort of explained to the guys that if this was to be the last game then I would be retiring. But where there is life there is hope - the team is still in and it was a great win. I think I am half a chance to play this week. Obviously now I want to go out with a bang and help the guys.""
Barnard commenced his AFL career with Hawthorn in 1994 and played 11 games over two seasons before being traded to Essendon in a trade that saw Paul Salmon go to Hawthorn, Darren Jarman to Adelaide and Sean Wellman to Windy Hill - a trade most celebrated in recent times. ""I was 22 when I came to Essendon and I had to make every post a winner. I had to dedicate myself and it has gone pretty quickly. Eight years has been super quick. It is funny how the wheel turns, because I came to Essendon and Paul Salmon went to Hawthorn and then last year he returned to Windy Hill and we played together,"" Barnard said.
Barnard has tasted success at Essendon over his eight-year tenure. He was an importantmember of the 2000 premiership success - kicking four goals from the bench that day.The 30-year-old has also had his share of disappointments as well.""1999 and 2001 was obviously disappointing, but we got 2000. I think in the next few years I will start to appreciate the heights we did climb in those few years,"" Barnard said. ""Other than the 2001 grand final, the 1999 Preliminary Final was the one that really hurt. I have never watched that match and never want to. I have only ever seen footage of Justin Murphy holding the ball at the end. We played terrible that day and took it for granted. It took us a long time to get over it but it helped us win the 2000 flag.""
Barnard celebrated his 150 AFL game milestone in Round 17 against Melbourne and over the course of his career has come accustomed to playing all over the ground. ""There is not a position on the ground that I haven't played. I am pretty proud of that because I suppose that means I have been flexible,"" Barnard said. ""I will tell you though, it is harder in the forwardline than the backline. Everyone is looking at the scoreboard and if you haven't scored you have failed. You can get two or three kicked on you when you are a backman and not be considered a failure. The forwards are also the first to be taken off!""
""I always thought if I played a bad game I would be out and that is the way I approached it. I never really got into a comfort swing or been complacent. I would like to be known as a guy that was a good clubman and would do anything for the team and never took anything for granted.""
Not only has Barnard been regarded as a great clubman over his time at Windy Hill, he is also a renowned prankster. ""I am a bit of a prankster myself. I am walking on eggshells at the moment because there has been a few square ups that have gone unnoticed. I am just waiting for something to happen. That is the beauty about having the group of players we have had. I have seen things from chickens being put in cars to someone’s keys being wrapped in four rolls of elastoplast and it took them three hours to get it undone. I have thrown the fitness staff numerous times into the pool!""
Essendon supporters are hoping they get to see the number 16 running around at least one more time this season. With Dustin Fletcher unavailable due to suspension, Barnard is definitely in the mix to come into the side for the final against Port Adelaide. If Barnard doesn't get to play again, he is still happy with his decision to retire and is keen to move onto his next big adventure. ""The footy club has been such a big part of my life and it is all I know, so that is the scary part - going into the unknown. It think I am ready to go and start a new challenge,"" Barnard said. ""I have made some tremendous mates and life long friends. I think spending a lot of time at a club you do that, but also playing in premierships. Going through the good times and also the bad times - but that is what brings you together.""
