It said a lot when draftee Jacob Farrow put his arm across Sam Durham at the first bounce of Essendon’s match simulation last week. 

The pick No.10 is among an extensive group of teenagers being tested against seasoned starters in this pre-season, learning off experienced Dons in game settings and adapting to the increased pace and intensity of training. 

Alongside Farrow, Dyson Sharp was another given lengthy matchups with Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish at centre clearances – it’s evident that the Bombers want their youngsters learning quickly and it appears to be paying dividends. 

As one of the standout half backs from last year’s talent pool, Farrow is already working his way into conversations as one of the Club’s best kicks, impressing in defence and picking up handy lessons off his leaders. 

“It’s just a great way to learn (going up against these guys),” Farrow said of his match simulation experience.

“Obviously, a few of the best players in the comp are there and they’re all looking really good at what they’re doing at the moment. To be able to play off them and learn while playing is really exciting.

“It’s just the little things in their craft (that stand out). Being able to get a bit of separation playing midfield, protecting the drop zone, that’s what I’ve been caught out on a few times and it’s obviously a step up in pace of the game. I’m slowly adapting.” 

Despite the midfield exposure, Farrow still sees his best work coming from the back half this season after a solid block of training there in his first few months at the elite level.

Over those months, the 18-year-old has grown more and more accustomed to the daily rigours thanks to both his draft class and the leadership group around him. 

“I think there’s a lot of depth in that midfield, so if I’m to play this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if I was off half back in a few games,” Farrow said.

“I trained at half back from the get-go and have only really moved into the midfield for that last week or two, but Mason Redman, Andy McGrath and those boys have been really getting around me. 

“It’s just the routine now, really. Wake up, come to work and put in the work here. 

“I moved into a house with ‘Sully’ (Robey) and ‘Sharpy’ (Dyson Sharp) about two weeks ago, we’ve got our own little space. We’re going through this together in our first year, it’s exciting.”