WEST Coast teenager Tom Barrass is on the short list to make his AFL debut against the Sydney Swans this week as the Eagles search for a defensive replacement for Jeremy McGovern.
McGovern injured his left hamstring during Saturday's 31-point win over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.
After losing Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown at the start of the season, West Coast's team defence has held up magnificently, with McGovern a key component.
But with McGovern expected to miss up to a month, Barrass is one of the options at Adam Simpson’s disposal although the Eagles may opt to play a smaller defence and bring in Sam Butler, if fit, or youngster Jackson Nelson.
Adam Simpson has praised the 19-year-old's rapid development at WAFL level in recent weeks, with the West Coast coach saying Barrass would be ready for AFL football if required.
The task of facing the Swans on debut has been made easier by the hand injury to Kurt Tippett.
Barrass has played 11 WAFL matches this season and has excelled playing in the heart of East Perth's defence. He has averaged five marks per game and those who have watched him have been impressed by his ability to read the play and intercept in the same manner as McGovern.
"He reads the flight of the footy really well," Eagle Mark LeCras said on Monday.
"I think he has been training a fair bit with 'Gov', (learning) the way he sort of plays and he has been able to play a bit like that at East Perth.
"He has grown in confidence this year and I am sure that if he did come into the side, he would be able to play the role fine."
The 194cm defender only made his WAFL league debut in round five after playing three reserves games at the start of the season.
Last season, he managed just eight WAFL reserves games before he was sent for surgery after battling with a hip issue throughout the year.
Barrass was selected with pick No.43 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. He played for Western Australia in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships alongside Eagles teammate Dom Sheed.
Barrass skippered Claremont's WAFL colts side to a premiership in 2013.
In 2011-12 he had developed his football at Hale School under the guidance of former AFL players Paul Peos (West Coast and the Brisbane Bears), Jason Norrish (Melbourne and Fremantle) and Brad Wira (Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs).
LeCras said the Eagles had full confidence in the youngster if he was called upon but he added the Eagles' pressure through the midfield was equally as important.
