Box Hill utility Tom Farrer has established himself as a breakout player in the VFL in 2026.
After playing just one VFL game last year in his first season on the Hawks' list, Farrer missed just once in 2026, nominated as the club's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal candidate for the competition's most promising player.
While Werribee's Brady Wright appears all but certain to take out the award as AFL club's circle the key forward, Farrer's is a testament to his rapid rise.
"Getting the exposure, I always knew I had it in me but the experience has been awesome," Farrer told Zero Hanger.
"Going into the off-season/pre-season, I definitely had the confidence I would be able to play early on and be a good VFL player this year so it allowed me to set up my pre-season to play regular VFL footy."
Farrer was noted as having one of the best summers of any of Box Hill's players, taking his noted running power to another level which has made him employable across a range of positions.
His professionalism and leadership at training has been noted by those around Box Hill, which set him up for an excellent campaign.
The 182cm talent put himself on the map with a strong Round 4 performance against Port Melbourne, nullifying livewire Roy George, while having 21 disposals of his own.
"I had never played a run-with role so I didn't know what to expect going in but I've actually really enjoyed it and done a fair bit of work on players within quarters and games in the last month. It was a good day and an important win," Farrer said.
"Staying adaptable because all of those come in games so being ready for that if it does come and I feel like I'm good enough to go with them, match them and get off them.
"I've got trust in my running ability and game awareness now where I'll be able to minimise their impact and get off them and help us offensively."
Farrer has since matched up on Essendon's Elijah Tsatas, North Melbourne's Tom Powell and Richmond's Tyler Sonsie, while also filling midfield, wing and forward roles as his position has been contingent on AFL player availability.
The diligence to quell opposition AFL-listed players is a remarkable rise for a 20-year-old who admits as recently as two years ago he was a ball-chasing midfielder playing school footy for Scotch College.
“I was never in a Talent League system and I was pretty raw coming out of school footy and a long way back so through vision and physically I knew I was good enough but all the tactical sort of things as opposed to just chasing the footy, I think I came along quickly.
“I was so raw coming out of school as a senior player in year 12, you can just go chasing the footy, you've got no idea about spread from stoppage or setting the game up whereas now I've got much more game sense.”
Scotch College coach Rodney Eade had a significant impact on Farrer's development and a connection he had with Box Hill gave Farrer an opportunity to train at the club, and he's made a quick impression since.
An extra yard of speed has been cited as an area of improvement for Farrer, while he's also striving to become cleaner to buy him more time with ball in hand.
Farrer was squeezed out of the Hawks' lineup for the last game of the home and away season given the health of Hawthorn's AFL list, but was praised internally for how he handled the setback and he's set to take his place in Box Hill's qualifying final on Saturday against Werribee.
A strong season at Scotch College in the VAFA last year laid the foundation for Farrer's 2026 season.
With 18 VFL games under his belt, Farrer is more experienced than Wright was starting a season which looks set to earn him higher honours and spoke of his optimism of reaching the top level.
“I think looking forward at AFL opportunities, high forward and wing suits me to use my running power and go inside and outside and at this level, inside mid.
“The main thing I've spoken to them about is versatility and giving yourself the best chance to play every single week by playing wherever so I've played every role this year.
“Obviously playing VFL I'm hoping to get to the next level and this year has given me confidence I can perform at this level.
“With how far I've come in two years, it would be cool to be on the cards if I can continue on an upwards trajectory and would mean everything to get to the next level.”
The 12-6 Box Hill will take on the 13-4-1 Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday afternoon with plenty of players in form and available at the right time of year.
“I think it should be awesome. We're set up well as a club. A lot of depth and a finish in the top four gives you a good chance,” Farrer said.
“It will be a different experience playing finals footy vs regular so I'm really looking forward to the opportunity.”
