“I mean he’s kicked 5.4 or 5.5 … I think Barry’s game, if you’re going to measure it in goals, it’s probably an eight-goal game,” Eade said after watching his team beat the Sydney Swans on Saturday.
“But we don’t measure in goals. If Barry had kicked two and done the same thing we would have been extremely pleased because he was able to lay off at times and his pressure skills were good and he provides a target.”
Eade has continually stressed Hall’s output will not be judged by the number of goals he kicks this season, although the power forward’s 5.4 went a long way to helping the Dogs cruise to a 38-point win over the Swans at Manuka.
Hall booted four of his majors in the second and third terms - a period in which Eade’s side poured on 10.6 to 3.7 to set up the victory.
The one-time Swan moved well and, more importantly, seemed to gel seamlessly with his teammates as the Bulldogs enjoyed their best win of 2010.
“I thought he led well and I thought his pressure was very good and I think for most of it, too, we weren’t Barry-conscious,” Eade said.
“[That] probably hasn’t happened too much, but I think at times we’ve probably tried to go a bit too long in the past.”
While Hall’s performance against his old club was always going to be the story of the day, the Bulldogs’ effort would also be closely scrutinised after a so-so beginning to their season.
However Eade was thrilled with the even contribution he received. While stalwarts Dale Morris, Brian Lake and Matthew Boyd did their usual jobs, newer faces such as Brennan Stack and Jarrad Grant showed glimpses of finesse.
“The Swans have been playing obviously some very good footy and they’re a hard side to play against,” Eade said.
“I thought for most of the game we controlled it … I thought it was a very even performance across the board, which was pleasing.
“It’s steps forward, we’ve still got room for improvement, still got things to work on.”
It wasn’t all good news for the Bulldogs, with Robert Murphy suffering a knee injury.
Eade expects the crafty forward - who spent parts of Saturday in defence - to be sidelined for at least a week with a patella tendon injury.
However the Dogs have replacements on the horizon.
Skipper Brad Johnson may return from a groin injury next week, while Liam Picken (ankle) and Ryan Griffen (late withdrawal - back) should also be available.
