Essendon will unveil first-year defender Jacob Farrow for his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Saturday night.

Last year’s No.10 pick is the Club’s fourth AFL debutant in the first three weeks of the 2026 campaign, and the 19th to see senior action since the start of last season.

Off the back of an impressive pre-season, the 18-year-old hit the ground running in his first VFL appearance against Geelong last week, racking up 31 touches at a clinical 93 per cent efficiency while registering a maiden goal in the red and black.

Farrow’s poise and composure complement a raking left foot, which he’s more than willing to utilise charging out of the back half. The West Australian product arrived at the Hangar as the highest-rated prospect from his state, having earned All-Australian honours for a stellar National Carnival in 2025.

An early debut is due reward for the work ethic the youngster has displayed in his first handful of months as a professional.

“It’s honestly a dream come true. The boys all got around me in the gym when Scotty announced it and it all felt pretty surreal. I’m just so excited to get out there on Saturday night,” Farrow said. 

“Telling Mum and Dad was really special. Mum was in tears straight away - they were both just super happy for me. 

“I’m really proud to make it to this point after a big couple of years. To be picked up by such a good Club and connect with the boys straight away, and now get the chance to run out with them at Marvel - it’s a pretty cool thing.

“To run out under the banner in the Essendon kit in front of the fans, it’s going to be unbelievable. I can’t wait.” 

Farrow joins Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis, and Hussien El Achkar as members of the 2026 debutant class.

The Dons take on the Roos from 7:35pm AEDT at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.