Tom Barrass Envisions AFL Origin as a Poetic Display of Skill Over Strategy
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated AFL State of Origin clash, former West Coast Eagle and current Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass has shared his insights, suggesting the game will be more about instinctive play than rigid coaching tactics. The match, set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth this Saturday, marks the return of Origin football after over 25 years, with a sell-out crowd expected to witness the spectacle.
Calibre of Players to Dictate Style, Says Barrass
Barrass, a premiership player who spent a decade with West Coast before moving to Hawthorn, believes the high quality of athletes on both the Western Australian and Victorian teams will naturally shape the contest. He downplayed the role of coaches, including WA coach Dean Cox, in micromanaging the game.
"I think Coxy will have his hands off the wheel, to be honest," Barrass remarked. "With this calibre of players and such little preparation, it'll be a lot of common sense playing. I imagine there'll be some structures and philosophies, but the brand of footy will probably be a bit more simple, a bit more contested, like a finals style when you have this many good players on the field."
He highlighted the difficulty in implementing tagging strategies due to the abundance of talent across both squads, emphasizing that the focus will be on raw, competitive football.
Emotional Return to Western Australia for Barrass
Expressing deep pride in his home state, Barrass described his return to Perth as an emotional and honour-filled experience. Having left West Coast after ten years, he now brings his children to share in the Origin excitement.
"I'm a very proud West Australian. It hurt me a lot to leave, and I've loved my time in Victoria, but to come back here with my kids and represent WA again, like I did at 18, is an honour," he said. "Playing with mates I haven't teamed up with for 12 or 13 years makes it even more special."
He is particularly excited to reunite with former WA under-18s teammates, including Darcy Cameron from Collingwood and dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, who captains the Western Australian side. Barrass tipped Cameron to challenge Victorian ruckman Max Gawn, adding to the competitive narrative.
Excitement Builds Among Players as Squads Assemble
The two squads gathered for the first time on Wednesday night in Perth, with players arriving at the airport and media opportunities setting the stage for the clash. Barrass's sentiments were echoed by other players, such as Sydney speedster Chad Warner, who is keen to play alongside old WA junior teammates like Trent Rivers, Luke Jackson, and Mitch Georgiades.
Warner expressed enthusiasm for the reunion, hoping to connect with Georgiades in the forward line, showcasing the camaraderie and anticipation building among the athletes.
As preparations intensify, Barrass's prediction of a poetic, less structured game adds to the intrigue, promising fans a thrilling display of AFL talent and passion in this long-awaited Origin revival.
