Senior coach Adam Simpson announced post-game that he was officially launching a campaign for key defender Tom Barrass to be recognised with all-Australian selection.

Simpson should not need to raise it with the AA selectors because Barrass’ form has been difficult to ignore, particularly in the second half of the year.

He has assumed more prominence in the absence of Jeremy McGovern who, himself, was in brilliant form in the first half of the year.

Barrass had 20 possessions, nine of them contested, and took 12 marks, nine of which were intercepts in yet another standout performance.

Not only were his statistics impressive, but he also kept his immediate opponent, Rory Lobb goalless after he had kicked five majors the previous week.