TWELVE months can make a world of difference.

This time last year, Liam Farrar was doing everything he could to earn an opportunity at VFL level. Training hard, learning from experienced coaches and teammates and immersing himself in the professional environment at IKON Park, the young forward spent the entire 2025 season without breaking into Carlton's VFL side.

While he wasn't rewarded with game time, the season proved to be a defining period in his football journey.

Rather than becoming discouraged, Farrar used the disappointment as motivation to improve every aspect of his game. Fast forward to 2026, and that patience has been rewarded.

The 20-year-old has established himself as an important piece of Carlton's forward line, playing eight VFL games and kicking 15 goals in an impressive breakout campaign. His form has been just as eye-catching at local level with Diamond Creek, where he has booted 25 goals from six games, including a remarkable haul of 16 across his last two appearances.

The numbers tell the story of a player full of confidence, but according to Farrar, it all started with accepting where he needed to improve.

"Last year was tough not playing any games, but it was a bit of a wake-up call that I needed to improve because I just wasn't at that level yet," Farrar said.

"I feel like I've taken that step this year and been able to play consistently. It's been awesome."

That improvement has been the result of hard work, but also a return to familiar territory.

After spending his overage season with the Northern Knights playing on the wing, Farrar has returned to where he feels most comfortable – deep inside the forward 50.

The move has allowed him to play instinctively and showcase the aerial ability and goal sense that have become trademarks of his game this season.

"Last year I changed positions a little bit. I was an overage player back at the Knights, and they experimented with me on the wing," he said.

"This year I've gone back to my natural position as a forward, playing deeper, which I feel suits my strengths. I can run, jump at the footy and kick goals."

The impact has been immediate.

Over the past month, Farrar has become a dangerous forward for the Blues, consistently hitting the scoreboard and providing a reliable target inside 50.

"It's been good fun," he said.

"As a forward, kicking goals is part of your role, along with a lot of other things, so it's always nice to be able to contribute like that."

His individual success has mirrored Carlton's rise as a team.

The Blues have won three consecutive games to launch themselves back into the finals conversation, with belief continuing to grow inside the playing group as the business end of the season approaches.

For Farrar, the recent turnaround has been built on stronger connection and an increasingly united playing group.

"We've connected as a group a lot better in recent weeks," he said.

"We've really brought our culture together, which has been awesome."

While much of the attention has been on his on-field performances, Farrar is quick to acknowledge the people who helped him reach this point.

Another important factor in his development came through his involvement with the Carlton College of Sport program.

Being based around IKON Park daily gave Farrar invaluable exposure to a professional football environment, long before he became a regular VFL selection.

Whether it was training, using the gym, recovering or simply spending time around coaches and experienced players, every day became another opportunity to improve.

"Being a VFL-listed player meant I had access to the Club and was here a lot," he said.

"I could use the gym, access all the facilities and just be around the environment most days of the week, which was the biggest benefit."

Now enjoying the most consistent football of his young career, Farrar isn't looking too far ahead.

"Personally, I just want to keep playing consistent football," he said.

"I feel like I've had a pretty good year, so I want to carry that form through. As a team, the main goal is to keep winning and hopefully make it as far as we can.

"I'm really enjoying playing VFL footy at the moment, so I'd love to keep playing at this level and keep improving."

At just 20 years of age, the young Blue's future looks bright.

Farrar’s persistence has turned into opportunity, his opportunity into performance, and now, as the Blues continue their push, he's proving exactly why patience and perseverance can pay off.