Tom Barrass concedes West Coast pledge aged poorly after sealing Hawthorn trade

In June, Tom Barrass said he was only leaving West Coast if the rug was pulled from under him. Now, he’s opened up on what changed for him to arrive at Hawthorn a few months later.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Tom Barrass of the Eagles unhappy after the loss during the 2024 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Key Hawthorn recruit Tom Barrass has conceded comments he made in June suggesting he would finish his career at West Coast “aged poorly”.

The 29-year-old key defender was traded to the Hawks last month in a deal which netted the Eagles future first-round, second-round and third-round draft picks.

In June, as speculation swirled about a move to Victoria, Barrass told reporters: “It happens every year and it is hardly a story, AFL clubs chasing established key position player.

“It is just the currency of football and I wouldn’t be reading into it too much.

“I am a West Coast Eagles player and unless the rug gets pulled out from under my feet I will stay that way.”

Tom Barrass has conceded comments he made about staying at West Coast have aged poorly. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

But he revealed he became “dissatisfied” to the point he was considering a future outside football.

Reflecting on his comments, Barrass told Channel 7: “Sometimes those things age poorly and I put my hand up and say, ‘I was wrong about that’.”

He said mid-season meetings with former Eagles teammate Sam Mitchell had paved the way for him to cross to the Hawks.

“I could only ever be open-minded to Sam coming to Western Australia, once I’d realised I was a bit dissatisfied in my life and I was looking for something new, whether it be a new career in another industry or a new opportunity,” he said.

“His mentorship was something that really appealed to me. Learning the game off one of the greats to have ever done it.”

Barrass has signed a four-year deal with the Hawks and admitted his trade had been, in part, a “commercial decision”.

“It was really important for me to try and leave the club with as much respect as I could. But ultimately this is a commercial decision and I need to represent the interests of my family,” he said.

Barrass said he was ready to embrace Hawthorn’s ‘Hokball’ culture and was optimistic about winning a premiership during the length of his contract.

Originally published as Tom Barrass concedes West Coast pledge aged poorly after sealing Hawthorn trade