Six West Aussies picked up in Telstra AFL National Draft Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 6:40 PM - by Jordan McArdle

WA Football congratulates the six home-grown players chosen in the 2025 Telstra AFL National Draft.
 
Classy defender Jacob Farrow, from the West Perth Football Club, was selected by Essendon with pick 10 in the opening round of the draft at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday night. 
 
The Under-18s All-Australian, who also played senior WAFL footy for the Falcons this year, became the first top-10 pick from WA since Claremont’s Daniel Curtin (pick eight to Adelaide) in 2023. 

Three West Aussies in a row were then selected in the 30s early in the second day on Thursday with Farrow’s West Perth teammate and fellow Under-18s All-Australian Sam Swadling joining Collingwood with pick 37. 

Two-time reigning premiers Brisbane Lions then caused a shock when they bid on Perth and West Coast Next Generation Academy midfielder-forward Koby Evans at pick 38, with the Eagles opting not to match it. 

Fremantle then put a bid on another Eagles NGA talent in Swan Districts small forward Tylah Williams with the next pick, with West Coast matching this one. 

Claremont gun and Mel Whinnen medallist Charlie Banfield didn’t follow his dual premiership-winning father Drew to West Coast, with St Kilda instead swooping with pick 41. 

His two-time Colts premiership teammate Cody Curtin was snapped up two selections later at pick 43, joining Evans at the Lions. 
 
WA Football Talent Manager Adam Jones was delighted for the players selected and hoped several more will follow in Friday’s AFL Rookie Draft. 
 
“It's a proud moment seeing the WA prospects realise their AFL dreams in the draft. Assisting players reach the top level is always an exciting milestone for everyone at WA Football and our talent pathway,” Jones said. 

“I wish them every success as they join the AFL system and look forward to following their journeys closely. 
 
“A special thanks goes out to WAFL clubs, schools, coaches, volunteers, family members and friends who have helped make it possible for these players to achieve their dream. 
 
"To see six players selected in the National Draft is a great result and we’re hopeful several more will find their way onto AFL lists through Friday’s Rookie Draft and as Category-B Rookies through the Next Generation Academy priority access to push us into double digits.” 
 
The AFL Rookie Draft is happening from 12.20pm WST on Friday with several WA talents still on the board including State 18s captain and Under-18s All-Australian Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle), Jack Clarke Medal winner Toby Whan (South Fremantle), Swan Districts’ Leon Kickett and Blake Kelly, Subiaco pair Wes Walley, Hudson Walker and South Fremantle forward Ryda Luke.   

WA draftees - 2025 Telstra AFL National Draft 

• Jacob Farrow (West Perth) - Pick 10 to Essendon 

• Sam Swadling (West Perth) - Pick 37 to Collingwood 

• Koby Evans (Perth) - Pick 38 to Brisbane Lions 

• Tylah Williams (Swan Districts) - Pick 39 to West Coast 

• Charlie Banfield (Claremont) - Pick 41 to St Kilda 

• Cody Curtin (Claremont) - Pick 43 to Brisbane Lions