Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass has been selected to represent his home state of Western Australia in the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match, taking place on Saturday 14 February at Optus Stadium against Victoria. 

The 30-year-old grew up in the coastal Perth suburb of Scarborough and played junior footy for his local club before captaining Claremont to a WAFL Colts premiership in 2013. 

He also represented Western Australia in the U18 National Championships that year, which also marked the last time he had the opportunity to represent his home state. 

Barrass was then drafted to the West Coast Eagles and played 150 games for the club over 10 seasons, winning a premiership in 2018 and a best and fairest in 2022. 

Since arriving at Hawthorn at the end of 2024, the experienced defender has impressed with his leadership, dependability and durability. 

In his maiden season with the Hawks in 2025, Barrass suited up for 25 of a possible 26 games and finished 12th in Hawthorn’s Peter Crimmins Medal count. 

He now has the opportunity to don the iconic black swan guernsey for the first time at the senior level, as the AFL prepares for its first State of Origin game since 1999.

The state-based rivalry is returning at the elite level for the first time in more than 25 years, having last been played when Victoria faced South Australia at the MCG.

The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match will begin at 4.40pm AWST / 7.40pm AEDT.

Tom Barrass
AFL Club: Hawthorn
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Scarboroough