STRENGTHS:

+ Field kicking
+ Intercept marking
+ Leadership
+ Physicality
+ Reading the play
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Set shot goalkicking

It’s well known that Barrat is a competitive beast and dislikes been beaten. On numerous occasions throughout the season, he made his opponents earn their disposals with a tough, aggressive brand of footy. One of his best performances for the season came in Round 17 against the Geelong Falcons where he was a rock down back, being everywhere where the footy was. If he wasn’t marking them with his intercepting ability, he was halving the contests putting his body on the line. It may have not being enough to get his side over the line, but Barrat left no stone unturned.

Heading into the 2024 season, Barrat wanted it to make it a goal of his to improve his leadership. After a 2023 campaign that was wiped out by a serious injury, Barrat did all he possibly could to to get himself right to put his best foot forward to get drafted, and while he conceded he was behind the eight ball when the season started, his achievements wouldn’t have been attained without the professionalism required.

While it is widely known he prefers to play as a forward, Barrat went down back and made every post a winner. These actions, highlighted by the performance against the Geelong Falcons, showed why he is held in high regard amongst his teammates and coaches, showcasing great dedication and selflessness in such circumstances.

Barrat's attributes have also pushed a case that he can play anywhere on the ground, similar to his Pioneers teammate Jobe Shanahan. In a game against the Calder Cannons in Round 15 of the Coates Talent League, Barrat rotated between the backline and midfield, playing a key role and providing the Pioneers coaching staff with more ideas thanks to his versatility.

While Barrat has naturally grown to be a forward as it is his preferred position, going down back has been immense for his development as it is known to help a forward with their own game. In the Wildcard Round game against the Dandenong Stingrays, Barrat again was again utilised all over the ground, especially at centre bounces where he was tasked with marking Harvey Langford. While Langford was prominent, Barrat did well to put him off his game while having an impact all over the ground himself.

At numerous times during the season, Barrat’s marking was a key to the Pioneers' fortunes and he did that on many occasions, whether it be down back with his intercepting or up forward with his contested and lead marking. On 10 occasions, Barrat managed seven marks or more in a game and there were only three games where he did not accomplish that. His aerial ability made a tough matchup for opponents when it came to contests and his positioning were crucial in winning those contests, while his attack on the ball with his athleticism made him a weapon.

Barrat’s ball delivery by foot has also been well received during the season. Coming out of defence he ensured the Pioneers played quick with fast ball movement looking to go wide, and when he pushed up the ground he delivered the ball into dangerous spots inside 50 quite cleanly. Barrat’s kicking has power, though he is still looking to refine elements like his composure and decision making with ball in hand.

There is plenty of scope for upside in Barrat's game. He will need to put on a little more size to compete with the bigger bodies at AFL, which will come with the development. His set shot kicking at goal will also be another area of improvement, as at the start of the season he didn’t quite take his chances in front of goal despite all his aerial dominance.