AFL Trade Period: Hawthorn could pass on West Coast Eagle Tom Barrass and give No.14 pick to Carlton Blues
New West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says he’s happy to hold wantaway defender Tom Barrass to his contract if Hawthorn can’t meet their trade demands.
It comes amid reports that the Hawks could blow up any potential deal for the defender as they look to trade pick No.14 — which is central to the deal — in a potential deal with Carlton.
Hawthorn are looking at trading pick No.14 for the Blues’ future first and second round picks and giving up their pursuit of Barrass.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Barrass, 29, has requested a move to Sam Mitchell’s Hawks despite having three years to run on a contract at the Eagles where he has played 150 games since being drafted pick No.43 in 2013.
Hawthorn have already boosted their defensive stocks by signing St Kilda free agent Josh Battle, but trading in Barrass would almost certainly put them into the premiership frame after a semifinal appearance this season.
The 2022 club champion is at the centre of negotiations between the two clubs, with Hawthorn’s pick No.14 not enough to satisfy the Eagles.
There was speculation that the Eagles would demand two first-round picks for the contracted defender but in all likelihood they’re set to land only one and maybe a future second-round pick.
If the Hawks do trade pick No.14 to the Blues instead of to Carlton, it could have significant ramifications on the Eagles’ pursuit of Liam Baker, with that selection set to be on-traded to Richmond as part of a deal for their vice-captain.
McQualter, who was appointed the Eagles’ seventh coach earlier this month, said if a deal couldn’t get done he was happy to keep Barrass in 2025.
“He’s a very good player and he’s still contracted with us,” McQualter told SEN.
“We’ve been on the public record saying if it doesn’t get done we’re rapt to keep him and me, personally, I know how good a player he is. If that falls that way I’m happy still.
“The reality he is he’s a club champion who still has three years to run on a contract. It’s just got to be fair compensation.
“It’s a challenge. We’re working through that with the list management committee at the moment and there’s discussions on going with Hawthorn. If it gets done, great. If it doesn’t, great.”
Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney said talks were progressing between the two clubs and was confident Barrass would be at the Hawks in 2025.
“(Hawthorn list manager) Mark McKenzie and (Eagles list boss) Matty Clarke are obviously in constant dialogue,” he said.
“As happens at this part of the trade period, in the first week, there’s a little bit of finding out what’s fair value for both clubs and that’s what they’re doing.
“The conversations are collaborative and I think we’re sorting of moving along but we’re definitely not there yet.
“We’ll operate in good faith. We’re obviously looking to give what we believe is fair value for Tom. At the end of the day West Coast have to make a decision whether they agree with that.
“We’d like to think that we can continue to work to a point where we will get that common ground and we’ll get Tom to join us in 2025.”
McQualter has also sent a poignant message to No.1 draftee Harley Reid after he met his young superstar this week in Melbourne.
Reid shot into superstardom on the back of an incredible first 20 games at Mineral Resources Park and is set to be the hottest signature over the next two season as clubs scramble to lure him out of the Eagles.
“I caught up with Harley yesterday which was good. We caught up with Jack Graham as well so it was good for him to meet Jack,” McQualter said.
“He’s a great player, there’s no question about it but he’s one player on our list. He’s got to get to work.
“You can have all the talent in the world but it’s got to be combined with the right actions and behaviours. We’ll make sure we set Harley for that.”
Reid shared a photo on Instagram of having coffee with new teammate Graham on Friday morning after appearing to have a workout.
