Tom Barrass on Hawthorn move, Sam Mitchell, leaving West Coast

Tom Barrass is a Perth boy but at the age of 29, he and his family made the decision to move to Melbourne for a new AFL club. He opens up on joining Hawthorn, coach Sam Mitchell and his new teammates.

Tom Barrass opens up on his move to Hawthorn. Picture: David Crosling

Tom Barrass arrived at Hawthorn with big expectations at the end of the 2024 AFL trade period.

Alongside free agent acquisition Josh Battle from St Kilda, the key defenders have been tipped to help take Hokball to the next level.

The 29-year-old is no stranger to playing in a successful defensive partnership having been key in West Coast’s 2018 premiership alongside Jeremy McGovern.

Ahead of his Hawks debut in Opening Round against Sydney, Barrass opens up on his move to Melbourne.

MAKING THE MOVE

Perth is the only major city Barrass has known throughout his life.

He grew up playing for Scarborough and was drafted by the Eagles in the 2013 national draft.

But the father-of-two said the cross-country move to Melbourne was something he and new wife Nadia were ready.

“I am absolutely loving it. It’s really refreshing for me as a senior player to come into a new environment with new coaches, a bit of a new game style and most importantly a new city,” he said.

“I’ve just loved having a bit of change in my life. All smiles for me.”

Barrass departed West Coast with 150 Eagles games to his name.

They included a 2018 flag and winning the 2022 John Worsfold Medal, West Coast’s best-and-fairest.

“I loved my time at West Coast and I love that club very much,” he said.

“I have a lot of good friends there and it’s always a bit sad to leave but I knew it was time to pursue a new opportunity for my career and my life.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming into a younger environment, an energetic environment and trying to see what strengths I can add to the team.”

Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn on the siren in the 2018 grand final. Photo: AAP.

INFLUENCE OF SAM

The move to Melbourne has seen Barrass link up with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell once again.

They were teammates for a year when Mitchell endured a one-year sabbatical out west to end his career.

“He hasn’t changed a bit,” Barrass said.

“He’s a real family man, he’s a real trustworthy man. He really cares about you.

“To complement that, he’s a very smart bloke. He’s got a very good football brain.

“I’ve really loved his mentorship and support as well as learning off him broadly in terms of football and leadership.”

Harley Reid and Sam Mitchell joke at Tom Barrass' wedding. The photo sent social media into a frenzy.

And Mitchell caused a stir on social media when he was pictured next to Eagles young gun Harley Reid at Barrass’ wedding.

With Reid expected to demand attention at season’s end, tongues were wagging.

“I don’t really buy into that stuff,” Barrass said.

“There will be stories on whatever. If it had been Oscar Allen it would have been the same story too.”

THE NEW LOOK DEFENCE

Some pundits would argue the Hawks bolster the deepest key defensive stocks in the league.

Battle, Barrass, James Sicily, Sam Frost, Jack Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle can all play tall if needed.

For over a decade he played and learnt from “the best in Jeremy McGovern”, but Barrass is ready to adapt to his change of scenery.

“It’s a little bit different playing with Sic, Batts, Scrimma and Frosty along with a few of the other boys,” he said.

“But it’s still the same in terms of when you play in the back line you have to work together.

“You have to rely on each other to help each other out. I’ve loved building a bit of a connection with those boys.”

Tom Barrass has already slotted into Hawthorn’s defence. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

NEW RELATIONSHIPS

Hokball has been revolutionised by the Hawks’ next generation — most notably the small forwards, led by Nic Watson and Jack Ginnivan.

But Barrass has found his own connections within the experienced heads who are happy to go about their work in the background.

“The older boys have done a great job looking after me, Sicily is keeping an eye on me,” he said.

“Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and Sam Frost have all been the same. They’re all probably at a similar stage of their lives, where we’ve got young kids and families.

“We’re getting together for barbies and a glass of wine in a different fashion to what the young boys are doing.

“I’ve loved getting to know those boys and continue to build those relationships throughout the year.

“It’s great to have these young, energetic lads on our team. And more importantly have an environment where they’re able to be themselves and play with flair and to play with fun.

“I think that’s going to be really beneficial for them in the coming years.”

Originally published as Tom Barrass on Hawthorn move, Sam Mitchell, leaving West Coast