MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tom Barrass of the Eagles celebrates with the Premiership Cup after the 2018 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/AFL Media/Getty Images)
West Coast backman Tom Barrass has signed a five-year contract extension, remaining in the blue and gold until the end of the 2027 season.
The premiership defender has been a reliable stalwart in Adam Simpson's defence since making his debut in 2015, playing a key role beside fellow tall Jeremy McGovern.
Barrass has played 99 games for the Eagles, with 2021 seeing career-best figures for the 26-year-old.
The Claremont product ranked elite for contested marks this year, while also amassing above-average numbers for players of his position in intercept possessions, disposal efficiency, metres gained, marks, intercept marks and spoils.
Defender
Disposals
Contested Marks
Rebound50s
Speaking on his new deal, Barrass stated his gratitude in being able to lock away his long-term future with West Coast.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play on at this footy club,” Barrass said.
“It feels great having some security behind me and knowing that I can focus on building this list going forward, and keeping the environment that’s really healthy for improvement.
“I’ve been really lucky to have played a lot of footy with some really senior guys.
“In the leadership space (we) have really good role models and blokes who prompt you to get the best out of yourself every time you come into the club.
“From an on-field player perspective and off-field staffing perspective, my reflection is that I’ve been given all the resources to try and get the best out of myself and have lots of role models in that space, and I’m really grateful for that.”
2022 will be Barrass' eighth campaign at West Coast, with his career-to-date highlighted by the grand final win in 2018.
After being among the top free agents for 2022, Barrass and the Eagles will be satisfied to have extended their partnership for the long haul.