By Jon Pierik
Essendon’s boom first-round draftees say they’ll be ready to make a splash should they be given the chance to line up in a round-one blockbuster against Hawthorn next year.
The Bombers remain buoyed at having had three selections in the first round for the first time since 2020.
Sullivan Robey (192 centimetres) and Dyson Sharp (187cm) are powerful midfielders, while Jacob Farrow has been drafted to provide run from half-back, and to distribute the ball well.
The Bombers’ 2025 draftees: Hussien El Achkar, Jacob Farrow, Sullivan Robey, Dyson Sharp and Max Kondogiannis.Credit: Getty Images
These selections came after Zach Merrett – upon returning to the club after the failed trade to Hawthorn – had told list manager Matt Rosa the Bombers needed a pair of big-bodied midfielders and a half-back capable of launching counter-attacks.
The Bombers unveiled their draftees on Tuesday, the group beginning to adjust to life as professional players after completing a two-kilometre time trial on Monday.
Sharp won the Larke Medal this year and is a midfield beast who flourishes at stoppages. That he has already played well against men in the SANFL over the past two seasons highlighted why recruiters said the South Australian was the most ready of any draftee for the big time.
“Obviously, that’s a good feeling to know what people were thinking, but I have found out from Monday’s training to today there is still a lot of work to do,” Sharp said.
“I have had SANFL league experience already, so the whole bodies, pace, I guess it’s less of a jump from an [under] 18s program. It’s crazy to think I could be handballing out to a [Darcy] Parish or [Zach] Merrett – those types of guys that I have been watching on TV for so long. It will be quite unreal to think like that.”
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.
“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.
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