ADELAIDE ruckman Sam Jacobs says his improvement in 2012 and, in turn, that of the Crows' midfield has taken him by surprise.

Jacobs has been in potential All Australian form this season and has helped guide Adelaide to third place on the ladder ahead of its bye this weekend.

While his hit-out numbers are down on last season, Jacob's hit-out to advantage numbers have improved astronomically, with the Crows ranked first for clearances  - 44 more than the Brisbane Lions.

"It has [surprised me], the improvement, in one year. Last year it wasn't a strength at all," Jacobs said of Adelaide's ruck and midfield dominance.

"I was getting hit-outs but they weren't to advantage.

"We worked really hard over the pre-season and it probably has surprised me how much [the numbers] have improved."

The 24-year-old former Blue said Adelaide's centre dominance was a combination of his own improvement and that of the midfield group as a whole, to ensure his taps did indeed land to advantage.

He said the rise of the Crows' midfield was "natural progression", singling out Patrick Dangerfield as a player who, like the rest of the group, had bulked up over the pre-season.

But Jacobs said there were areas of Adelaide's game that still left them vulnerable heading into the second half of the year.

"At the moment we're still letting sides back [into games] as you saw against Fremantle two weeks ago and that last quarter against Collingwood," he said.

"Against good teams, as the year goes on, you just can't afford to do that."

Despite identifying the deficiency, Jacobs said the playing group wouldn't review its past 10 games or talk football too much over the bye.

He said the week off was a chance to take a break from the game, even if the playing group didn't need it.

"All the boys are still up and about, but it is a long year…we've still got 12 games to go," Jacobs said.

"At the moment, it sounds boring, but it's just about having a breather and getting away from footy for a few days, then coming back ready to go against St Kilda. "

Jacobs flagged the club's impressive depth as another area key to its 8-2 record, claiming there was great selection pressure coming from those in the SANFL.

But with so many performing on a weekly basis and continually missing out on senior selection, the ruckman said the culture at West Lakes would ensure frustration didn’t boil over.

"It is frustrating for guys like [Chris] Knights, Brodie Martin, Brad Symes, who are continually putting up good performances, but things can change very quickly in this game," he said.

"We've been very fortunate not to have many injuries yet, but it only takes one injury and suddenly you're in.

"Those blokes know they need to keep playing well and take their chance when it comes.

"That's part of the culture you try and build at the club."

Harry Thring covers Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.