WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson has declared emerging key defender Tom Barrass is ready to make his AFL debut.

But Simpson warned the classy big man is in for a wait until a spot opens in an efficient but patched-up defensive division, ably led by surprise packet All-Australian contender Jeremy McGovern.

Simpson described Barrass ready to make the step to elite level but said McGovern, Will Schofield and Brad Sheppard - as well as regular defensive marshal Shannon Hurn - have more than handled backline duties in the injury-enforced absence of key defenders Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown.

Barrass, 19, continues to turn in dominant displays at WAFL level with Eagles reserves team East Perth, with powerful pack-marking, cunning reading of the play and spoiling a feature.

Barrass was taken as the Eagles’ third choice at the 2013 national draft and number 43 overall but suffered a horrid introduction to the big time last year with a series of hip injuries, managing just 10 reserves games at East Perth.

He is now tipped to at least taste AFL level ahead of an Eagles finals campaign when powerhouse opposition forwards will be a significant barrier to hopes of West Coast lasting well into the play-off series.

“His development is probably at the stage now where if we happen to have to make a change, I’m happy to play him at AFL level,” Simpson said on Perth radio 6PR.

“I think he’s doing the right things at East Perth and I wouldn’t have and issue with (call up) it.

“But at the moment we’ve got a pretty settled back line and top push his way in through form is going to be a tough ask.

“But I’m more than happy to play him if we need him.”

Simpson and his coaching advisors have successfully implemented calculated defensive strategies with experienced on-ballers Mark LeCras and Sharrod Wellingham spending significantly increased stints backward of heavy congestion among additional Eagles numbers behind the ball.

Back-pocket specialists Sam Butler and Xavier Ellis are also significant in support roles to the Eagles revised defensive systems.

West Coast’s defence has strengthened in its rise into calculations to secure a final top-four spot and even premiership prospects.

The second-placed West Coast has the highest percentage at 156.5 from 11 wins and only three losses with the third tightest defence in conceding an average of only 69.5 points an outing and scoring the second biggest weekly tally at around 109, just behind trendsetters Hawthorn’s 110.