West Perth product Jacob Farrow has clinched WA’s first AFL Rising Star nomination for 2026 after the Essendon half-back was rewarded for his strong start to the season.

Farrow was one of the Bombers’ best in their first win of the season over the weekend as they stormed to a 45-point win over Melbourne during Gather Round.

The top WA pick in last year’s draft, Farrow had 22 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency against the Demons (16 kicks, six handballs), and taking 12 marks.

It was just the third game of Farrow’s career and marked the second straight game Farrow had 12 marks and followed his 21 disposal effort against the Western Bulldogs the previous match.

He is Essendon’s first Rising Star nominee since Isaac Kako in Round 17 last year and the first Sandgroper to earn a nomination since St. Kilda’s Hugh Boxshall in round 22 in 2025.

Farrow said he was taken aback by the nomination, but proud nonetheless.

“It is a huge honour to be named the Rising Star. I’ve just been focused on playing my role and doing my best, so to get this recognition is special,” he said.

“I’m loving every minute of being out there with the boys, and the support from the coaches and staff have been unreal since joining the club last year.

“There is still a lot I want to work on in my game, but this gives me confidence to keep building and hopefully contribute to more wins for the Bomber fans.”

Farrow was a late bloomer in his draft year after his strong performances for WA at the AFL National Championships earned him an under-18 All-Australian nod and catapulted him into the first round of the draft.

Hailing from Perth’s northern suburbs, Farrow counts Joondalup Kinross, Edgewater Woodvale and Whitford among his junior clubs.