West Coast defender Tom Barrass is reportedly set to see out his contract with the Eagles amid strong interest from Sydney.
Barrass, who is contracted with the Eagles until the end of the 2027 season, was believed to be weighing up his future in Perth as the Swans looked to pry the premiership defender to the Harbour City.
The Swans' interest comes as the New South Wales club plans to bolster their key defensive stocks, with Barrass viewed as a valuable asset given his skillset and standing across 132 games in the royal blue and gold.
Given Barrass' contract status, a trade between the two clubs would have been required, with Sydney's opening draft pick likely a key piece in any negotiations.
However, with West Coast looking to build their list for the future and secure their top line of players for the long haul, Barrass is now set to remain with the club for the years ahead.
According toย 7 News'ย Ryan Daniels, Barrass has elected to remain with the Eagles - holding plans to see out the long-term deal he signed at the end of the 2021 season. It is understood that the Eagles had not looked to open trade talks with the Swans in regard to Barrass.
West Coast say they've had no conversation about a Barrass trade this year - internally or with Sydney.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) August 9, 2023
Barrass had gained reported interest from the Swans before he last re-signed with West Coast, with the Swans seen to be hopeful of luring the 27-year-old east given the Eagles' plans to collect more early draft capital.
With Barrass electing to remain with the Eagles, the decision could have large ramifications on the trade landscape for the months ahead, with a suite of clubs looking to add high-valued talent to their backlines.
Barrass and GWS free agent Harry Himmelberg were seen as two of the more in-demand figures of 2023, with the latter also committing to his club for the future by signing on until the end of 2029 last week.
Collingwood, Richmond, Brisbane and Sydney were linked to Himmelberg, with the Swans now needing to look elsewhere after seeing both Himmelberg and Barrass turn down their advances.
Among the defenders seen to be weighing up their futures are Geelong's Esava Ratugolea, North Melbourne tall Ben McKay and Adelaide free agent Tom Doedee.
Contracted pair in Port Adelaide's Tom Clurey and Melbourne's Adam Tomlinson are also said to be open to potential departures in search of greater opportunities.
Sydney could also look in-house to construct their backline for 2024, with fringe defensive pair Lewis Melican and Will Gould both currently unsigned for next year.
