Hawthorn's new star defender Tom Barrass has revealed the mindset he was in when it came time to choose whether he would stay an Eagle or search for a fresh opportunity.
The rumour mill churned throughout 2024 as the speculation grew that one of West Coast's key backman wrestled with the idea of a change of scenery.
Barrass played over 150 games for the Eagles after being drafted to his home state club in the 2013 National Draft, and was a part of the 2018 premiership side.
The 29-year-old looked set to be an Eagle for life after signing a five-year contract in 2021, but Barrass flirted with a move to a new club, landing at the Hawks during a tense 2024 trade period.
Barrass shed light on his thoughts while deciding on his future on Triple M's Rush Hour with James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless, realising he needed a new place to rejuvenate his love for football.
"Ultimately I think I was just ready for a change in my life," Barrass said.
"I was sort of out of gas doing what I was doing out on the West Coast.
"I've loved that footy club, always have, and it's been such a big part of my life but it was just time for me to do something different, and it was gonna mean another (club)."
Barrass then revealed the domino effect that took place after he tested the waters of the market, with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell - who played with and coached Barrass in his short stint at West Coast - getting in contact with the star to bring him over to Waverley.
"Sam Mitchell reached out and I'd played with him in 2017 and he was a coach of mine in 2018, and I had a lot of respect for the way he went about things," Barrass said.
"His outlook on not just football but life, he's a very fundamental sort of guy, so I took a liking to that and the rest is history."
Barrass also shared the mental burden that leaving his former club left on him during the uncertain period between requesting a trade and landing at the Hawks, having to leave the club where he enjoyed a fruitful 11-year career for a polarising decision to search for a new beginning.
However, the defender believes the result was extremely rewarding.
"It was the toughest thing I've ever done," Barrass reflected.
"I think the whole process has taught me that at that point in time when you do take that risk and you are going through a really hard time, on the other side of it is the right thing for you.
"It's a symptom of 'you are actually going through good personal growth and you're ready for the next thing'.
"It was really tough and there was a lot of suffering in that move across the country, and leaving my football club that raised me, that developed me.
"However, it's really shown me that the time was right to do something new with my life and to prioritise to do with what I want to do."
Barrass said the move has reinvigorated his love for football again, with the bubbly, laissez-faire personality of players creating a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere.
"It's a really good environment and it's reaffirmed a lot of my ideas about football and about teamwork," Barrass said.
"I've got to tip my hat to the administration, the organisation and the players, they've been running a good program for a number of years and they've got some really great characters there."
Hawthorn's 2024 season kicks off against Sydney in Opening Round, with Barrass a surefire selection to make his debut for his second club.