Experienced defender Tom Barrass elevated his game to the absolute elite level in 2022 and was the deserved winner of his first John Worsfold Medal, while being considered by many to be unlucky not to earn selection in the All-Australian team. The left-footer not only shuts down the AFL’s most damaging power forwards but also launches quick and damaging attacks from his intercepts. Barrass managed 14 games in 2023 after a hip injury interrupted his season, followed by a back injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the year. Barrass was named vice-captain ahead of the 2023 season, alongside Jeremy McGovern, and has emerged as a key part of the Eagles’ resurgence.
At a Glance: Junior Club: Scarborough (WA). Debut: Round 17, 2015. Recruited from: Claremont (WA). Brownlow Votes: 5.
