The manager of West Coast defender Tom Barrass has looked to reassure Eagles fans that the premiership backman's focus is set on steering the club back toward finals contention following reports of rival interest in his services.
Barrass, who is contracted until the end of the 2026 season, was floated as a player gaining external interest from clubs potentially looking to swoop on the West Coast vice-captain despite his contract status.
The Eagles are likely to pivot their list management process toward attaining early draft selections to help their current list rebuild, with Barrass' value likely to warrant high-end draft stock in exchange for his signature.
Sydney were rumoured to have come calling for Barrass before he inked a five-year extension in 2021, with the Scarborough junior looking to remain an Eagle for the rest of his career.
Following the recent rumours of potential interest from rival clubs, Barrass' manager Nick Gieschen has stated his client is happy in the royal blue and gold, with his priority placed on helping the Eagles through a difficult period.
"At the moment, Tom has had a bit of an up-and-down year to be honest," Gieschen toldย AFL.com.au's Gettable of the 2018 premiership Eagle's status.
"He was crook a few weeks back and he's missed the last couple of games with injuries. It's been a pretty challenging year for Tom, but also West Coast
"He's just hoping to get back into some really good form. We obviously know he's a gun when he's right. Hopefully can play this week and have a really strong second half of the year.
"He's got four years to run (on his contract), he's really happy and comfortable at West Coast. He just wants the club to get back on track and win some games."
While Barrass' services are tied to the Eagles for the long haul, the club does have several senior figures coming off-contract at the end of the 2023 season.
Both captain Luke Shuey and star defender Jeremy McGovern are eligible for free agency this year, while the likes of Jamie Cripps, Jai Culley, Jamaine Jones, Shannon Hurn, Jake Waterman, Alex Witherden and Jack Petruccelle are also unsigned for 2024.
The Eagles are anticipated to regain all three of McGovern, Hurn and Barrass for their Round 15 clash with Sydney following the club's bye round.
West Coast will travel to the SCG on Saturday to face the Swans in a bid to claim their second win of the year.
