AFL Draft: West Australians Jacob Farrow, Fred Rodriguez and Sam Swadling named under-18 All-Australians

Classy West Perth half-back Jacob Farrow is firming as Western Australia’s top draft prospect after being one of three Sandgropers named in the Under-18 All-Australian side. Farrow, WA captain Fred Rodriguez and fellow Falcon Sam Swadling were named among the best 22 from the Under-18 National Championships on the back of WA’s one-win campaign. Having drawn comparisons to Fremantle star Hayden Young, Farrow has bolted up the draft boards in recent months and did his chances no harm after he averaged 19 disposals, five marks and four tackles across four games for WA. Farrow started the championships in the midfield, but impressed as a silky half-back with his best performance coming in a loss to the Allies when he racked up 29 touches and 803m gained under the roof at Marvel Stadium. WA Football talent boss Adam Jones said Farrow had worked “exceptionally hard” on his game this year. “The level of interest potentially indicates he might be one of our first taken, and it’s a credit to Jacob in the fact that this is the first state program he’s been involved in. He worked exceptionally hard on aspects of his game to get himself up to the level where he could compete at a state level,” he said. “We were trying to get a different at the stoppages, and with his talent and ability, it led to us trialling him through there, and he showed some good capability and the possibility that he could develop in that role later on. “As the carnival went on we through him back to half-back to give him an opportunity to excel in the position that he’s probably best at the moment.” Rodriguez was adjudged WA’s most valuable player for the championships, book-ending his campaign with strong performances including 23 touches, seven clearances and six tackles in their final game against Vic Metro. “He led from the front throughout the program. His work ethic, professionalism and the ability to bring the group together were all really strong,” Jones said. “He’s had a great campaign and hopefully he can finish of the year strong, potentially pinch a league game or two which would be fantastic.” Swadling had made his name at colts level as an inside midfielder but his versatility was tested throughout the championship, being played as a high half-forward. He finished the championships averaging 19 touches, four marks, three clearances and three inside 50s and was among their best in the win against Vic Country with a goal from 12 touches but could’ve kicked a bag had he been more accurate. Jones said the depth of WA’s midfield and Swadling’s adaptability led to him being played at half-forward. “We felt we got the best of both worlds and in that first game he could’ve kicked a bag of goals,” he said. “We were able to get benefit from him being forward as well as him pushing high up the ground to have an impact around stoppages when he could. “The beauty of Sam is he has that flexibility. At league level he is playing forward but in time he has the ability to play in the midfield. His work in traffic and awareness is outstanding.”