Jacob van Rooyen is a professional Australian rules footballer and key forward for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
His journey from a young, passionate player to a professional in the AFL is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.
You can follow Jacob van Rooyen’s net worth, prize money, earnings, stats, career overview, and more here.
Jacob van Rooyen’s Net Worth Details
Jacob van Rooyen’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
Contract and Salary
Jacob van Rooyen is contracted with the Melbourne Football Club until the end of the 2025 season.
This contract extension, announced in November 2022, signifies the club’s commitment to van Rooyen as a critical part of their plans.
AFL’s salary exceeded $300,000 for the first time in 2015, and Van Rooyen’s earnings would be competitive, especially considering his status as a promising young player for Melbourne.
About Jacob van Rooyen
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jacob van Rooyen |
| Date of Birth | 16th April 2003 |
| Place of Birth | Claremont, Western Australia |
| Height | 193 cm |
| Weight | 96 kg |
| Position | Forward |
| AFL Club | Melbourne Football Club |
| AFL Debut | 2022 |
| Draft No. | Pick 19, 2021 National Draft |
Jacob van Rooyen was born into a family with a strong affinity for sports.
His early exposure to Australian rules football, thanks to his father, a native of England and a devoted fan, ignited his passion for the game from a very young age.
This early introduction to the sport laid the foundation for what would become a promising career in the AFL.
Growing up, van Rooyen’s life was deeply intertwined with the sport. He began his Aussie Rules journey with Oz Kick at age five or six.
His family’s support and his inherent talent for the game were crucial in shaping his early experiences and prospects in Australian rules football.
Early Life
Jacob van Rooyen’s early life was deeply rooted in Australian rules football. He began his journey in the sport at age five or six with Oz Kick.
His father, originally from England and a devoted sports fan, played a pivotal role in sparking Jacob’s passion for Australian rules football.
Growing up in a sports-loving family, Jacob was in a competitive environment early on, with two brothers also involved in the game.
This familial backdrop provided a fertile ground for nurturing his talent and competitive spirit.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Jacob showcased his skills in a 10-round season with the Colts team, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
His early experiences, marked by dedication, natural talent, and a supportive family environment, laid the foundation for his ascent in the sport, eventually leading him to become a top prospect in the AFL draft.
Early Career
Jacob van Rooyen’s early career was characterized by his participation in local leagues and his standout performances at the junior level.
His ability to make his assets real weapons on the field, particularly his skill as a terrific contested marker, was evident from his teenage years.
This period of his life was crucial in developing the skills that would later define his professional career.
Professional Career
Jacob van Rooyen’s professional career in the Australian Football League (AFL) began when the Melbourne Football Club drafted him with their first selection, nineteenth overall, in the 2021 national draft.
His debut season in 2022 was a significant milestone, marking his entry into the professional league. However, in the 2023 season, van Rooyen truly began to make his mark.
Throughout the season, he played 11 games, showcasing his talent by scoring 28 goals and registering 9 behinds.
This performance was highlighted by his exceptional accuracy rate of 75.7%, a testament to his skill and precision on the field.
Van Rooyen’s ability to adapt and excel in the forward position, his competitive nature, and his physical attributes, such as his height of 193 cm and weight of 96 kg, have made him a valuable asset to the Melbourne Football Club.
His contributions to the team were recognized when he received the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 12 in 2023, an accolade that underscores his potential and impact in his early career.
Van Rooyen’s professional career statistics include 14 games played, with a notable achievement of kicking a goal in each of his first 12 games.
This streak indicates his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that bode well for his future in the AFL.
Jacob van Rooyen’s journey from a promising draft pick to a rising star in the AFL reflects his dedication, skill, and the promising trajectory of his professional career.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | No. | Games | Goals | Behinds | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Accuracy % | Free Against |
| 2022 | Melbourne | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | Melbourne | 2 | 11 | 28 | 9 | 45 | 50 | 104 | 35 | 23 | 75.7% | 1.5 |
| 2024 | Melbourne | 2 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
FAQs
1. Which AFL club does Jacob van Rooyen play for and when was he drafted?
Van Rooyen plays for the Melbourne Football Club and was drafted with pick 19 in the 2021 AFL National Draft after starring with Claremont in the WAFL.
2. What is van Rooyen’s primary playing position and how tall is he?
He is a key forward, standing 193cm tall and weighing 96kg. Coaches also rate his potential to swing down back due to his athleticism and marking ability.
3. How did van Rooyen perform during his AFL debut season?
He debuted in Round 3, kicking three goals against Sydney. During the 2023 season, he earned a Rising Star nomination after scoring in ten consecutive games and recording a 75.7% goal accuracy.
4. What are van Rooyen’s career stats to the end?
He has played 57 AFL games, kicked 74 goals, and claimed key marks in attack for Melbourne. His win/loss record stands at 27 wins and 30 losses so far.
5. What special skills and strengths set van Rooyen apart?
He is renowned for his strong pack marking, contested work inside 50, body strength, and accurate kicking. Van Rooyen’s composure under pressure and work rate help drive the Demons’ forward success.
6. Has van Rooyen overcome any major injury challenges?
He dealt with a glandular fever diagnosis as a teenager, and most recently overcame a back spasm, quickly recovering in time for Melbourne’s season opener.
7. What notable honors and awards has van Rooyen achieved?
He became a Rising Star nominee in 2023 and contributed to Casey Demons’ 2022 VFL premiership. Van Rooyen also received a nomination for Goal of the Year in 2024.
8. How did van Rooyen perform in finals, and was he subject to suspension?
He played finals in 2023 but missed the Demons’ semi after a suspension due to a high bump. His physical forward style has led to tribunal scrutiny, but he continues to refine his discipline.
9. How did van Rooyen’s junior and VFL performances shape his AFL call-up?
He excelled in the WAFL Colts finals with Claremont, then kicked 11 goals in three Tigers finals. Continued VFL dominance with Casey led to his fast-tracked AFL debut.
10. What is van Rooyen’s family and sports background?
He grew up in Western Australia with a sports-loving family and two football-involved brothers. His father’s encouragement and a competitive upbringing built the foundation for van Rooyen’s AFL ambitions.
