West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Tom Barrass deserves to be in the All-Australian team this year after producing a standout season in a defence under siege.
Barrass continued his sizzling form with a masterful display in Saturday night's 24-point western derby loss to Fremantle.
The 26-year-old tallied 20 disposals and 12 marks while keeping Fremantle forward Rory Lobb to just a single behind from seven disposals.
Barrass has been a rock in defence for West Coast all season, and his responsibilities have grown since Jeremy McGovern went down with broken ribs in round 14.
Simpson isn't normally one to make bold statements, so his public endorsement for Barrass as an All-Australian carries more weight.
"I am campaigning now officially for Barrass to be All-Australian," Simpson said.
"He's not just winning his position, he is dominating it as full-back. He was the highest ranked player today, again.
"He is in the prime of his career. He's a leader, plays the game the right way and has the balance between defending and going for his marks."
With Luke Shuey expected to relinquish the captaincy at the end of the season, Barrass is one of the leading contenders to take over.
West Coast (2-19) are 4.7 per cent above last-placed North Melbourne (2-19) as the race to avoid the wooden spoon goes down to the wire.
The Eagles take on Geelong at the Cattery on Saturday in what shapes as an ugly loss, while North Melbourne have a winnable game against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium.
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is no certainty to face the Cats, with the 32-year-old still sore following a disrupted season that has featured two knee injuries.
"He's playing because the club needs him, so we have to be careful not to put any unnecessary risk in his career, or next year," Simpson said.
"But he needs a good break, good pre-season and he'll come back next year ready to go."
Simpson was pleased with his team's fighting spirit against the Dockers, but he described the assignment against Geelong as a match that will put "hairs on your chest".
