Despite a growing number of failed attempts, AFL clubs will again try and lure West Coast key-back Tom Barrass away from the Eagles next off-season.
The 28-year-old penned a long-term deal with the club back in 2021 and remains contracted for at least another three years.
There is high demand for key defensive players in the league, but clubs in the current premiership window who need size down back have limited options.
The 2024 mid-season draft is already being touted as a weak crop and rookie key-posters rarely enter the league as ready-made players, meaning clubs must acquire the talent via trade.
Most of the star key-defenders in the league are already on long-term deals, but the appeal with luring Barrass is the lack of expected success at West Coast in the near future.
Few players at the Eagles carry much trade value, so moving on Barrass may be the best way to improve the club's draft hand.
The Western Bulldogs are one club rumoured to be chasing the 28-year-old, in hopes of acquiring some defensive assistance for Liam Jones.
Sydney also made an effort to sign Barrass last season to help their depleted key defensive stocks, but were unsuccessful.
It appears Barrass will not consider any trade requests, already being a premiership player and having settled down in Perth with two young children.
Barrass and West Coast take the field this Saturday night in the Western derby in what shapes as a danger game for the Dockers.
