Tom Barrass says West Coast’s small defenders played a huge role in helping the Eagles’ stave of Hawthorn’s attacking raids at Optus Stadium yesterday.

The home side’s big men duly received plenty of praise for dominating the skies against the Hawks.

Barrass and returning backman Jeremy McGovern were a force to be reckoned with in West Coast’s defensive 50, combining for 17 marks, 19 intercept possessions and 12 one percenters against Alastair Clarkson's men.

But Barrass said they would not have had the confidence to fly for their marks or effect spoils without having the likes of Brad Sheppard, Josh Rotham, Tom Cole and Jackson Nelson mopping up the Sherrin at ground level.

The 24-year-old said it took a team effort to keep the dangerous Hawks to 49 points.

“Hawthorn are a good side and I think a few teams understand that about West Coast, that (we like our) intercept marks, so we’ve got to be adaptable as key defenders and let our mid-size defenders come into the game,” Barrass told 3AW post-match.

“I thought it was a good job by the defensive unit tonight.”

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Gov & TB rule the skies

Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass proved to be unstoppable last night against the Hawks, ruling the skies

Barrass revealed the Eagles set a goal to make the most of their stint at home and so far they have made good on that promise, winning all five of their Optus Stadium fixtures since returning from the Gold Coast.

West Coast's run of games in front of the club’s loyal blue and gold army will come to an end following Sunday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney, but Barrass said the squad excited to hit the road again and finish off the home and away component of season 2020 in style.

“We’ve been lucky that we haven’t had to cop the short turnarounds yet and we’ve been able to stay at home, so we’re just making the most of these opportunities while we’re at home before we head back away,” Barrass said.

“I am (looking forward to our next hub stint). It will be good and it will certainly be different to the last time we went over there.

“I think we’ll be better prepared and given the circumstances of the year all you can do is get over there and have a good crack and that’s what we intend to do.”