Elevated his game to the absolute elite level in 2022 and was the deserved winner of his first John Worsfold Medal.
When long-time sidekick Jeremy McGovern went down with broken ribs, Barrass stepped up and dominated games from full-back after the bye to put himself in All-Australian contention.
The 26-year-old not only shut down the AFL’s most damaging power forwards but launched attacks from his intercepts, and hit stunning heights with a 30-diposal, 18-mark effort against Hawthorn at the MCG.
Barrass followed that with 14 intercepts and nine intercept marks in the round 22 RAC Derby, while keeping opponent Rory Lobb to a solitary behind. That was a week after restricting an in-form Taylor Walker to five disposals and one goal.
Put simply, Barrass had no peer as the standout Eagle in 2022.
Standout performance: Dominating from defence
Barrass’ inspirational effort pitted against Hawthorn’s in-form forward Mitch Lewis, who went goalless, was a sight to behold as he reeled in 18 marks and had 30 disposals at the MCG.
Barrass’ stats included 11 intercepts, eight intercept marks, eight spoils and eight rebound 50s.
West Coast lost a hard-fought contest but the Brownlow Medal votes will be interesting, with Hawks veteran Luke Breust bagging six goals and Barrass also laying a strong claim for best afield honours in a losing team.
Season averages
Disposals – 15.5
Marks – 7.6
Spoils – 7.5
Intercept marks – 3.8
Contested marks – 1.6
