Jacob Farrell may be one of the most effective players currently playing in the A-League. The Central Coast Mariners youngster proved to be a dominant fullback over the two seasons he has played and is now in his third season with the Mariners at the age of 21.
Given his breakthrough under Nick Montgomery in the 2021–22 A-League season, Farrell memorably started and scored on his league debut in the opening round against Newcastle Jets. The Gosford native would accumulate 50 league appearances by his second season, including three goals and three assists.
The young fullback is starting regularly now under Mark Jackson, following Montgomery’s departure to Scotland before the 2023–24 season. The Mariners faced a poor start, losing to Adelaide United in the opening round of the campaign and faced three successive defeats before their first win against F3 Derby rivals Newcastle Jets. Farrell faced suspension that same game after accumulating two yellow cards.
Farrell, in particular, has been the main man in defence, proving his defensive capabilities for the Mariners in the six league appearances he has made.
He has so far started in all of the league matches he featured as his side currently sits ninth after winning three and drawing two in their last five games (AFC Cup included).
Although a defensive-minded fullback, Farrell is also capable of providing attacking opportunities for his teammates. He has created three big chances for his side, although none has turned into assists, with eight key passes and a 79 per cent passing success rate in total. However, he is much weaker in crosses and long balls, with a success rate of 46 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.
In defence, Farrell can be considered as one of the best defenders in the A-League and even more so as one of the best fullbacks currently in Australia. Farrell sits first in interceptions with 21 interceptions made and ground duels won with a 68 per cent success rate, taking the ball off the opposition 28 times and making 15 tackles.
In terms of dribbling, Farrell has shown composure and intelligence when dribbling, completing three successful dribbles out of the five he has attempted. In contrast, he also shows resilience and determination combined with his pace to pressure technical opposition, having only been dribbled past twice so far in defence.
In total defensively, Farrell has made 119 tackles, 80 interceptions and kept seven clean sheets from the two previous seasons during which he won an A-League Grand Final last season. Compared with other fullbacks, Farrell is statistically proven to be effective defensively and on the forward front.
(Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Current Socceroos and Melbourne City left-back Aziz Behich has also been a consistent performer with City during their poor form, displaying the attacking capabilities he has built on throughout his career.
With the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign commencing soon, Farrell can be on Graham Arnold’s list for the future with his consistent performances for the Mariners. Although it may be too soon for the Central Coast Sports College graduate, considering the presence of Jordy Bos, who made his Socceroos debut this year.
A call-up for the national team may be a long way off but it is achievable for this capable defender. Time will tell if Farrell has what it takes with determination and attitude, but with his abilities on the pitch, he will be one of many to watch for in the future.
TenTribesOfTexas
Roar Rookie
Farrell is a talent. He took Azarni apart a few games back. With Arnold using Bos up the park, Goodwin likely to be rested over the next two dead rubbers and Aziz needing a run coming off injury, I see Farrell being selected in the squad against Palestine and Bangalardesh and getting some game time in those games. Australia has a shortage of left footers (as well as attacking mids and centre forwards who can actually score) Farrell will be value going forward for the Roos for 10 years or more. He needs to be brought in asap
Nonbloke
Roar Rookie
I was very disappointed with Behich in the last game resorting to tackling with his arms. He got away with a penalty on Kuol that would have been curtains for city but for the fav condition they enjoy ???. When a player has to turn to those sort of tactics to win duels his future is in the decline.
TenTribesOfTexas
Roar Rookie
doing well young Farrell. Beat Arzani easily last time out.
Harry Brill
Roar Rookie
I have Bos and Maraugis ahead of him but not by much. Another contender who has potential is Adamson. How Corica failed to award him I’ll never know, but him being signed by Macarthur was a no-brainer.
NickA
Roar Rookie
yes, I think if he put on a bit of muscle and weight he might get a bit more explosiveness in his game - but he's intelligent enough at the moment to get away with it. Might get found out at a higher level though.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Sometimes our best players aren’t shooting stars in their teens - Emerton, Mooy, etc. Hopefully he continues to build his career at the Mariners and goes on to bigger things. Another crowd favourite that may move on!
Jose Campo
Roar Rookie
He is not relatively quick but his other technical qualities and intelligence compensate for that.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Always enjoy watching him, never gives up, always puts in a big effort. Seems pretty quick too, how does he rate on speed?
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Farrel is a top class defender definetly premier league potential with his height. Bos needs to leave Westerlo they are a horror show near the bottom of the Belgium table. Look at what happened to MIller he got stuck with fool of a coach who wouldn't even play him in Scotland preferred relegation. Those three premier league all over them if they work hard stay uninjured and add to that Corica greatest ever mistake Keeley Adamson. Behich nowdays defensively he is bottom half in the A-league. Strain league one player who can be easily done over by higher level players.
chris1
Roar Rookie
His frame does not suggest that he's a tough defender but he is one of the toughest around. He also has an attitude which is so necessary as a top line defender.
NickA
Roar Rookie
He looks like he's never lifted a weight in his life - but he is so effective. Physically he keeps up, technically very good - and he can strike a ball as well - a few of his goals/shots have been absolute rockets. Only a matter of time before he goes to Europe. Too soon for the Asian cup (That'll be Bos and Behich) but he surely can't be far off a call up.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
That would be great to see
Graham
Roar Rookie
He is the only fullback in the league to handle irankunda last year. A gun defender with a high ceiling. I would love to see him and bos on the left flank if we are playing a tough opponent. Lots of defensive starch there
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Bos is better and I can see Bos moving up to a midfield role with Farrell behind him...