Whether it was Mahoney’s inspiring words pre-match, the fact the former Calder Cannons captain was back in his former state or, more likely, just his natural football ability coming to the fore, the Power believe they have a keeper after the 19-year-old’s first outing at Telstra Dome.
Farmer had nine disposals, laid six tackles but just as importantly showed he would not back down no matter who stood in his way in an impressive first-up effort that drew praise not only from commentators but also from his coach after the game.
“I thought Mitch Farmer played particularly well most of the day,” Power coach Mark Williams said after the match.
“He played hard and tough for a young guy playing his first game … it was great for our people to be able to see him come through.”
Farmer, the No.49 selection in last year’s draft, said Mahoney’s pre-game address had all Port Adelaide players ready for action upon the first bounce.
“Mahons’ speech pumped everyone up,” he said.
“He gave me and [fellow debutant] Nick Salter our guernseys and said a little something that he knew about us.
“It got all the boys up, and I felt a special vibe after that. It was pretty exciting, I was pretty pumped to run out.”
Farmer, a small defender with the ability to play in the midfield or even up forward if required, admitted the transition to senior AFL football – compared to that of Sturt in the SANFL where he has been playing – was a far different proposition.
But it was one he thoroughly enjoyed, even if it meant a few pre-game nerves as all first-gamers might come to expect.
“I played on Luke Ball for a bit, also Robert Eddy and I played on [Stephen] Milne for the last six or seven minutes of the last quarter,” Farmer said.
“It was pretty exciting [but] I think I was packing myself a little bit.
“Going into the game when Choco said I’d be playing on Luke Ball or any player that would play on the half forward flank.
“But I tried not to think about it too much.”
The solidly-built youngster even showed his willingness to mix it with his more-seasoned opponents in a bit of toe-to-toe, with his St Kilda opponents – such as Ball and Adam Schneider – trying to rough up the Power youngster but to no avail.
“I don’t mind it,” he said.
“I enjoyed it, it was a good experience.”
