It’s been a long journey onto an AFL list for one of Gold Coast’s newest recruits Jy Farrar.
The 22-year-old (who turns 23 next week) was taken with pick 60 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft after a more unorthodox 2019 season.
Farrar played the majority of his football in the Adelaide amateurs league for Scotch Old Collegians, with just two senior SANFL games throughout the year.
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But that didn’t stop him catching the eyes of recruiters with his line-breaking capabilities and impressive speed.
Before that he had travelled all over the country to pursue his dream of becoming an AFL footballer, and now it’s a reality.
“I left the safety of home three years ago and I left for one reason and that was to chase my dream,” Farrar told SUNS Media.
“It was a long pathway, it wasn’t easy but it just goes to show what hard work and dedication gets you.
“I’m just stoked with the outcome.
“For three years now I’ve wanted to do it and I’ve been moving all over the joint so I’m happy that I’ve finally found a home.”
Farrar witnessed the moment he became a SUN in an Adelaide hotel room, surrounded by family and friends.
When pick 60 was announced, he was immediately mobbed by his elated supporter base.
“I had a few mates around and a few of my cousins as well,” Farrar said.
“They loved it – I think they got more excited than I was.”
No one has been more supportive of Farrar than his family.
The 190cm utility said he was pleased he was able to repay them for everything they had given up to get him to where he is now.
“My brothers were over the moon – I think their profile pictures have changed to me now,” he said.
“Dad reckons he’s the proudest dad in the world.
“Mum was stoked - just knowing that I made mum proud was good because she did a lot for us growing up.”
Farrar was invited to the South Australian State Combine, meaning there was interest from at least two AFL clubs in his abilities.
When he produced results of a 2.90 seconds 20-metre sprint and 8.18 seconds in the agility test, interests in his services piqued.
But in the end it was the SUNS who wanted him the most, selecting him in the fourth round of the National Draft which was a surprise even to Farrar.
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“Other clubs were pretty keen too but I had no idea the SUNS were as keen as they were,” Farrar said.
“I was actually thinking that I’d go a bit later than 60 or even in the rookie draft if I was lucky.
“I still can’t believe it’s happened.
“Pick 60 is pretty high, it’s unbelievable for me.”
Hailing from Halls Creek – a small town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia – Farrar already has AFL talent in his blood.
He is the cousin of Carlton’s Sam Petrevski-Seton and Adelaide’s Shane McAdam – both originally also from Halls Creek.
The 22-year-old is also first cousins with SUNS AFLW inaugural signing Kitara Whap-Farrar, with the pair set to reunite on the Gold Coast.
Farrar will fly to the Coast on Sunday before beginning pre-season training with his new teammates on Monday.
