In a dream result for West Australian football, young gun Jacob Farrow has seen his hard work pay off, becoming the first Sandgroper selected in the 2025 AFL Draft.
The Essendon Bombers made the decisive move, securing the talented defender with pick number 10 during the draft's first night in Melbourne on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
From Outsider to All Australian
Farrow's journey to the elite level is a story of rapid and remarkable ascent. Starting the 2025 season as a relative outsider who had never been part of a State talent program, he finished it as an under-18 All Australian selection.
His standout form for Western Australia at the national championships catapulted him into draft contention, showcasing the skills that made him a top prospect.
A product of the West Perth Football Club, Farrow split his impressive season between the club's colts and league sides, as well as representing his state.
Addressing Weaknesses and Chasing Dreams
In the lead-up to the draft, Farrow proactively worked on a perceived weakness in his game, hiring a sprint coach during the off-season.
He revealed this strategic move was sparked by some frank discussions with WA State talent manager Adam Jones.
"My speed was something I really needed to work on," Farrow told Fox Footy after his selection. "That just allowed me to play with a lot more confidence and take the game on a bit more, so I was able to put some good footy together."
After his state duties concluded, Farrow was promoted to West Perth's senior WAFL side, where he made an immediate impact. He averaged 17.7 disposals and 5.3 marks across three games before returning to the colts team for their finals campaign.
A True Football Enthusiast
Farrow, who moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in 2009, grew up as a genuine fan of the sport rather than supporting one specific club.
In a light-hearted moment, he disclosed that he owns a jumper from every single one of the 18 AFL clubs. When asked about the cost of his extensive collection, he joked that the question should be directed to his parents.
"I'm just a bit of a footy-head," Farrow said. "When I'm not playing on the weekend, I put my feet up on the couch and watch the game that's on."
Farrow was the sole West Australian invited to attend the first night of the draft, a testament to his high standing among the nation's best young talents.
The draft continues, with a number of other WA prospects, including West Coast academy prospect Tylah Williams, expected to be selected as the event progresses.
