He didn't get the result he wanted, but at least the dreaded ute was nowhere in sight, as Barry Hall farewelled the SCG in rousing fashion on Saturday.

The Swans 2005 AFL premiership-winning co-captain marked his final SCG appearance with a five-goal haul in the Western Bulldogs' 39-point loss to the Swans.

Even though Sydney fans booed his every touch, Hall was happier with this farewell than the one in 2009.

Back then, Hall didn't have the chance to play one last game in Sydney and had to say goodbye while being driven around the SCG.

"It's just good to play my last game here and not end it in the back of a ute, it was satisfying for me in that way," said Hall, who spent eight seasons with Sydney.

Despite his strong SCG swansong, Hall expressed no regrets or second thoughts about his decision to retire.

"No, not at all, I'm pretty content with my decision," Hall said.

"I definitely won't miss a few things about footy and pulling up after the game is certainly something I won't miss."

Questioned whether Hall was quitting a season too soon, Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said Hall had told him he was playing under the duress of a lingering ankle issue.

"Mentally, he is probably seeing the finishing line,so he can get through that," Eade said.

"I don't think his ankle is going to get any better with an operation so I think he knows that he's probably just hanging in there."

Former teammate Adam Goodes and Sydney coach John Longmire both expressed admiration at Hall's efforts on Saturday.

"Hally was on fire, it was hard to watch down the other end, watching him lead out, take a mark and dodge a few blokes and kick goals from the boundary," Sydney co-captain Goodes said.

"He was having a field day, he was always going to gear himself up to play really well today, his last game at the SCG, and he really did that."

Longmire marvelled at the 34-year-old forward's mobility.

"He's got his speed still at the moment and when you've got your speed, you've got everything, and he's still in good nick," Longmire said of Hall.

"He's going to be a thorn in a few teams's sides before the end of the year."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP