West Coast Eagles star Tom Barrass has been selected in the 2022 All-Australian squad after a brilliant season at full-back.

The 26-year-old was one of 44 players – expanded from 40 in previous seasons to recognise elite performers across the home and away rounds – picked in the squad by All-Australian selectors on Monday.

The final 22 will be announced on Wednesday evening during the AFL Awards, broadcast on Fox Footy from 5pm AWST.

Barrass’ recognition is the first time in his career he has made the All-Australian squad. He was the only Eagle selected.

The emerging leader stood tall in a backline missing four-time All-Australian Jeremy McGovern for more than half the season and was almost impassable in a purple patch after the mid-season bye.

Barrass collected career-highs for disposals (30) and marks (18) against Hawthorn in round 18, and reeled in a personal best nine intercept marks in the round 22 RAC Derby.

The 197cm colossus averaged 15.5 disposals, 7.6 marks (AFL No.5), 1.6 contested marks, 3.8 intercept marks (AFL No.2), 7.5 spoils (AFL No.7) and 4.1 rebound 50s in his 19 appearances this season.

But his form was measured in far more than just statistics as he blanketed some of the best forwards in the game while regularly facing a flood of inside 50s.

The 2022 All-Australian selection panel is Gillon McLachlan (chairman), Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Andrew Dillon, Glen Jakovich, Gerard Healy, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Nick Riewoldt and Brad Scott.

The final team of 22, as per the criteria established in 2007, will be selected as if to play a match.