With flowing blond hair and a baggy playing jersey that appears a few sizes too big, Jacob Farrell looks more like an extra from a 1970s surf film than a no-nonsense left-back for A-League Men side Central Coast.
But looks are deceiving and the unflappable 19-year-old has been one of the Mariners' standouts this season since his goal-scoring debut under new coach Nick Montgomery.
Farrell's senior career is only 11 games old but already he has the chance to win his first piece of silverware when the Mariners travel to AAMI Park on Saturday to take on Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup final.
All of that seemed impossible last year when Farrell walked away from a career as professional footballer for life on the tools.
"I wasn't enjoying it (playing for the Mariners' academy) as much as I should be and it was more my decision to leave," Farrell told AAP.
"I went to another club, Valentine FC in the Newcastle NPL, to play against men.
"While I was doing that I was working with my dad as a plasterer and I didn't fancy that too much.
"I regretted leaving and I thought I'd be better off going back to the Mariners."
Farrell reached out to Montgomery, who had been his coach in the academy, and was invited back into the fold.
"I wasn't really expecting to be starting every game but it's good that I've had the opportunity," Farrell said.
"I'm happy with how I've performed and how the team has gone, so it's been a good start and I'm hoping I can keep playing well."
Farrell has played so well that he has been nominated for the A-League Men young player of the year award, courtesy of his performances in November and December.
Past winners include Socceroos Mat Ryan, Daniel Arzani and Riley McGree while last year's recipient Joel King, 21, made his full debut for Australia last week and sealed a move from Sydney FC to Danish side OB.
Farrell, too, has ambitions to play at a higher level and a win in the Cup final so early in his career would no doubt elevate his standing.
"It's pretty amazing to have made the final so early in my career," he said.
"We've done the work to get here and I think we deserve a good shot at it.
"Come Saturday we'll be ready and we'd love to go to Melbourne and get the win."
