BREAKING NEWS: West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass seeks m… Read More

In Short:

West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass has told the club he wants to be traded to Hawthorn.

The reliable defender made his debut for the club in 2015 and has played 150 games.

A switch to the Hawks would see him reunited with his former West Coast teammate Sam Mitchell, the Hawthorn coach.

West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass has formally requested a trade to Hawthorn, signaling his desire to join the club in the upcoming AFL trade period.

Barrass, who is set to turn 29 in October, reportedly had a meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last month. Mitchell, who is both a former teammate and former assistant coach of Barrass at West Coast, has likely played a significant role in Barrass’s decision.

Since that meeting, Barrass has been sidelined from the Eagles’ lineup due to a combination of concussion and a hamstring injury, missing the last four matches of the season.

On Tuesday afternoon, West Coast released a statement confirming that Barrass had communicated his wish to explore opportunities at another club during his exit interview. He has named Hawthorn as his preferred destination.

“Tom has today informed us of his desire to pursue an opportunity at another club,” said Gavin Bell, the Eagles’ general manager of football. “While the club respects Tom’s request, he is contracted for another three seasons and is one of our vice-captains. We will work towards accommodating Tom’s request while ensuring we act in the best interests of the West Coast Eagles.”

Last year, Barrass’s future was also under speculation, with Sydney being a major contender for his signature. Since being drafted with pick 43 in the 2013 national draft, Barrass has appeared in 150 games for the Eagles and was honored with the John Worsfold Medal as the team’s fairest and best player in 2022.

The AFL trade period is set to commence on October 7, and Barrass’s request is expected to be a focal point as teams prepare for the upcoming season.