AFL Trade News: Western Bulldogs weighing up move for West Coast Eagles defender

The Western Bulldogs are reportedly weighing up a move for West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass. The defender, who is contracted to the Eagles till the end of the 2026 season, is no stranger to trade speculations as even the Collingwood Magpies were interested in acquiring his services earlier in the year.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journo Jon Ralph said the Western Bulldogs could offer Bailey Smith as part of the deal to lure Barrass away.

“We wrote a couple of months back that the Dogs were really heavily into Tom Barrass.

“I think they (the Western Bulldogs) absolutely knew that Bailey was going, so that’s why they gave up (picks) 10, 17 and that future first for Ryley Sanders, who’s coming along nicely — he’s the inside midfielder that Bailey potentially wasn’t in the last couple of years.”

Ralph believes the West Coast Eagles man, who has been there for 11 years, may be lured by the Western Bulldogs project, with the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton needing a player of his calibre to move to the next level.

“The Bulldogs desperately need a player of Tom Barrass’ calibre to stiffen that whole backline up.”

Western Bulldogs target West Coast Eagles' Tom Barrass, unbothered by trade speculations

Tom Barrass of the Eagles.

West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass, who was drafted as pick 43 in 2013, has often been subject to trade speculation. When asked on Wednesday afternoon about rumours concerning him leaving the Eagles, he said:

“I don’t read the media, or the social media. I normally find out when I’m sitting in front of you guys,” Barrass said.

“It happens every year, and it’s hardly a story; AFL clubs chasing established key position players. It’s just the currency of football, so I wouldn’t be reading into it too much.”

Barrass said he will remain a one-club man until the club says they are no longer interested in his services.

“I’m a West Coast Eagles player, and unless the rug gets pulled out from under my feet, I’ll stay that way.”