The prospect of playing in front of a packed out MCG excited Round 5 Rising Star nominee Jacob Farrow.
The half-back has integrated seamlessly into the Essendon line-up across the last three games, using his lethal kicking to help set the game up.
His 22-disposal Gather Round effort provides him with a positive launchpad for the rest of the season.
“Growing up I was always a kid who wanted to play in front of 90,000 fans for a big Victorian club so if I get the opportunity to do that over the next few weeks especially over Anzac Day, that would be really cool,” Farrow said.
Farrow had a ‘pinch-me' moment a fortnight ago lining up against star Western Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli, who he grew up idolising.
He lives with Sullivan Robey and Dyson Sharp, who have each been exposed in 2026, but the three have yet to line up altogether, something they have spoken about.
Noted for his poise and decision-making upon arriving at the Hangar, Farrow has rounded off his game, with assistance from former skipper Zach Merrett.
“Some craft on the field. We've got some really experienced players here, just taking little bits out of their game to help me has been really good so if I can keep doing that, it'll be really good,” Farrow said.
“It's the fine details of skills, positioning, setting up early. If you're on top of that, then you're set. Zach has reached out to me a couple of times to help me.
“He stands out as one of the best leaders here and is passing on his knowledge to us younger lads and in particular me as well and he's keen to help me learn as well.”
Widely expected to debut in Round 1, Farrow was forced to start in the VFL, finding the ball 31 times on debut, which led to an AFL call-up.
“I definitely want to take my kicking into the big games and it's always been a strength coming through so I have to stay confident knowing that's my biggest weapon and I won't shy away from it,” Farrow told Zero Hanger ahead of the season.
“I feel like all the work I've put in over pre-season with (head of high performance) Matt Innes and the team has really prepared me and given me the confidence in my body to go out and perform when I get the opportunity. When that is, time will tell, but I definitely do feel confident in my body that I'm confident to take that next step.”
