After missing out on state representation at Under 16 level, Jacob Farrow has emerged as the foremost West Australian player in this year’s draft class. From a steady half-back to a damaging on-baller and potential top-10 pick, the rangy left footer credits his dependability for his developing reputation. 

“I think it was just the consistency across those first six games of Colts footy earlier this year,” he said, unpacking his rise up the ranks. “I was able to take my strengths out on the ground and show them in all the games.

“It wasn’t one specific game or act that got me there, it was over a course of six weeks or so.” 

He is keenly aware of the natural progression of a prototypical footballer like himself, eyeing the career arc of Jordan Dawson as inspiration and welcoming the comparison. That means starting his career down back before potentially being unleashed in midfield.

“At the moment, definitely [feel most comfortable] at half-back,” he said. “Across the last two seasons with West Perth, that’s where I’ve been… Eventually, though, transitioning into that bigger-bodied midfielder is something I could definitely work on down the line.

“I’ve watched Jordan Dawson really closely. Early on in his career he started at half-back and is now one of the go-to midfielders for Adelaide. He’s obviously really good in the air, bigger size and really good left foot as well.”

Farrow could be describing himself there, and playing for Adelaide wouldn’t be out of the question either, because the young Sandgroper holds no allegiance to any one club, instead preferring to “watch a good game of footy”. 

“I don’t go for a team… I’ve got a jersey for each of the 18 clubs,” he said.

It’s clear to see what recruiters are excited about, on top of the raking left boot and silky movement, he is level-headed and in constant pursuit of improvement. 

“Just those little one-on-one defensive craft things I need to tidy up on and that’ll come over a really good pre-season, hopefully at a club,” he said. “And then also just my running capacity, that can always improve. So they’re the main ones.”

Despite poor appraisal of the West Australian talent pool, the West Perth star remains optimistic about his state’s future. 

“We’ve got some really good talent come across this year,” he said. “Although the champs didn’t reflect it as we only won one game, but we’ve definitely got a special group and some good players.”

With exciting talent like Farrow coming through, his positive outlook appears justified. And as for the outside noise, it’s water off a duck’s back. 

“I obviously come across it and see a bit of it… The only opinions that really matter are the recruiters and my coaches. So don’t look too much into it, but I’m really happy with how I’ve gone this year,” he said.