Loading
He also oozes leadership, having captained South Australia from early in his junior representative career, and hopes to further explore that path as his career unfolds.
The Crows had shown interest in Sharp, but the Bombers held firm on retaining the pick No.13 they used to secure him.
“For Essendon not to give in, and hold it, and say: ‘We want Sharpy’, it’s really good knowing that as well. It’s given me a different mindset that I have to give back to the club as well now, and live up to the hype of what they want me to achieve.”
Essendon’s first-round selections, Farrow, Robey and Sharp.Credit: Justin McManus
Robey is a midfielder-forward with a well-developed body who enjoyed a superb finish to his 2025 season with a premiership with the Eastern Ranges, booting four goals in the grand final. He also had 40 disposals, including three goals, against the Western Jets.
Loading
“I am still trying to find my feet. There are a lot of moving parts with where I am staying and who I am staying with, and building relationships here with the players is all going to be a challenge,” said Robey, a diehard Bombers supporter who has moved in with Andrew McGrath and his wife.
“Once I am settled around January, February, it’s going to be really exciting for me to dig deep and really drive the team’s success. I just want to stay fit and healthy, and make sure I am improving every week.”
Robey, the ninth overall selection last week, hopes that improvement leads to selection come round one, declaring he is physically ready but has work to do on his skills and fitness.
“Obviously, that’s a goal for a lot of the draftees, to play round one. Whether it comes this year [2026], next year, or midway through a year, I don’t mind. If I am playing good football, and Brad is happy to put me in, I will do the role and get then job done,” Robey said.
Farrow also burst onto the scene this year, impressing with his raking left-foot kicking and ability to intercept. He had three senior games in the second half of the WAFL season with West Perth and also appears ready for AFL life, including cooking his own meals now he has made the “big move” from Perth.
“I definitely believe in myself and my capabilities out on the field, and I was able to take my strengths from Colt footy to under-18s footy, then playing some senior footy with West Perth at the end of the season just gone,” Farrow, the 10th overall pick in the draft, said.
Defender Max Kondogiannis has work to do on his light frame, while small forward Hussien El Achkar will also be given time.
