Having climbed the mountain once before in different colours, Tom Barrass isn’t losing sight of how fortunate he is to be within striking distance of another AFL premiership.

The veteran backman is one of three Hawthorn players - along with Jack Gunston and Jack Ginnivan - to have previously won a flag, having saluted with West Coast in 2018.

Another opportunity is in the 30-year-old’s sights after the Hawks dismantled Fremantle in a 32-point win on the road on Thursday night to book their spot in a preliminary final.

Barrass spoke candidly after West Coast’s 2018 premiership triumph about feeling directionless and struggling to find motivation after achieving his lifelong goal.

But having secured a trade to Hawthorn at the end of 2024 after 10 seasons with the Eagles, the rejuvenated key defender is soaking up the experience of another September mission.

“I think the older I get, the more grateful I feel to be able to compete in front of a crowd like this, in a final like this,” Barrass told AAP after Thursday night’s qualifying final victory in Perth.

“I really try and lean into the perspective that it grants you, and just how happy 10-year-old Tom would be to be playing in a qualifying final at Optus Stadium, and just how much of an honour that is.

“I’m so lucky in my life to have these opportunities, so I think channelling that gratitude for experiences like this helps me to play freely.”

Along with James Sicily and Josh Battle, Barrass was enormous for the visitors in nullifying a much-vaunted Fremantle forward line including All-Australian Josh Treacy and fellow sharpshooter Jye Amiss.

Barrass matched up with Amiss for much of the contest and held him to a single goal from five disposals.

“I’ve got so much respect for the three talls at Freo, Amiss and Treacy in particular,” he said.

“They’re really quality players, so you’ve got to do your homework and also understand what your strengths are and how you’re going to bring them into the game.

“I thought it was a good battle tonight. There were periods where he was on top. Really grateful to get the job done.”

Barrass is due to play his 200th AFL game early next season, a milestone fellow defenders Jarman Impey, Blake Hardwick, Karl Amon and Sicily have already reached.

The collective experience down back provides balance for an otherwise youthful Hawks side headlined by the outrageous talent of small forward Nick Watson and midfield bulls Jai Newcombe and Will Day.

“We’ve been building chemistry together for probably 40 or 50 games now,” Barrass said.

“The confidence we’re building is that if we play our roles and we work together as a team, then we can defend the best forward lines in the comp, and we played against one of the best tonight.”