Missing eight weeks of footy is challenging for any player, but for Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs there were plenty of silver linings to his time on the sidelines.

Before the weekend, the 31-year-old had not played since injuring his knee in Round Two.

After playing consistently for the best part of 10 years, Jacobs admitted he enjoyed the mental and physical break.

“The first three or four weeks, mentally it was a bit refreshing, because you don’t have game anxiety and the recovery as you do when you’re playing,” Jacobs told AFC Media post-game.

“I’ve used it as a mental refresh and tried to enjoy my time with family in season, which I don’t normally get.

“So, those first four weeks was about rest and the last four weeks I’ve been getting excited to get back.”

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Knowing he was likely to return through the SANFL, Jacobs said he had been looking forward to playing with the Club’s young players in the lead up to Saturday’s clash with North Adelaide.

“Having time away from the AFL side, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the younger guys and spending more time with them,” Jacobs said.

“Previously I haven’t had that opportunity to play with the young guys, but they bring so much energy and they love what they do.

“I’ve loved training with the young boys, trying to teach them, it’s been fun.”

He praised the impact of new Crow Lachlan Sholl after playing alongside the 19-year-old for the first time.

“Lachie probably doesn’t get the noise that the top draftees get, but for me he is a really balanced player,” Jacobs said.

“He can kick on his left and right and he’s a little bit cheeky at times Lachie, but I enjoy that side and that we can have a bit of banter and fun.”

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Jacobs was also impressed by the development coaches and the young players in the SANFL that are “really gelling.”

“Heath [Younie], Brent [Reilly], Paul [Thomas] and Matty [Wright] are doing a fantastic job and they deserve a lot of plaudits,” Jacobs said.

“We’ve been fortunate to not have many injuries, so Andy Otten has been an integral part and with myself and Dougy [Richard Douglas] playing, it helps these guys and gives them confidence.

“The future [of our football club] is in a good spot and I’m really excited about what they can do going forward.”