Ruckman Sam Jacobs joined illustrious company in becoming a multiple winner of the Showdown Medal in Adelaide’s 23-point gutsy win over Port Adelaide.
Jacobs was Adelaide’s last Showdown Medallist, claiming best-afield honours in the Club’s most recent Showdown win in Round 15, 2012.
On Sunday night, the in-form Crow was awarded his second Showdown Medal after racking up 19 possessions, 36-hit-outs, six clearances and three goals in a dominant display. He joins Adelaide champions Mark Ricciuto (three) and Simon Goodwin (two) and former Port Adelaide star Josh Francou (three) in claiming more than one medal.
Jacobs said he’d enjoyed the battle with emerging Power big man Matthew Lobbe.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Matty Lobbe as a ruckman. He’s come a long way in the last few years. I knew I’d be up against it because he’s having such a good year,” Jacobs said after the game.
“I really enjoy the responsibility of being the No.1 ruckman and coming up against one of the form ruckman of the competition. It doesn’t get any easier next week with Shane Mumford.”
Teammate Tom Lynch was quick to rib ‘Big Sauce’ about his new trophy cabinet addition.
“Sauce is walking around calling himself ‘two-time’,” Lynch said with a laugh.
“No, he was fantastic today. It was great to get a big performance from the big fella. Lobbe has been in terrific form and it was a great contest.”
Unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection two years ago, Jacobs had a quieter season in 2013 by his lofty standards. The Ardrossan product said a strict fitness regime in the offseason was helping him to shoulder the majority of the ruck duties this year.
“As soon as last year finished, I was looking forward to this season already. I did a lot of work during my offseason and I feel it’s really starting to pay dividends now,” he said.
“From week-to-week, I’m trying to make sure I’m getting as much training in as I can, so near the backend of the year I can still go with it. My training has been a really important part.”
Coach Brenton Sanderson heaped praise on the popular Crow, who has collected more disposals than any other ruckman this season and is ranked No.2 in hit-outs to advantage.
“I’m happy Sauce is on my team. I love what he does. He has great energy around the group,” Sanderson said.
“His nickname amongst the players is ‘tall-mid’. He’s a ruckman, but he plays as an extra midfielder for us. He hit the scoreboard today and he gave us first use. It was a complete performance.”
Jacobs was quick to acknowledge Adelaide’s entire midfield group for its effort on Sunday night.
Scott Thompson was instrumental with 34 possessions, seven clearances and seven tackles. Acting co-captain Patrick Dangerfield sparked his team, finishing with 32 touches, eight inside 50ms, seven clearances and 1.2. Rising Star runner-up Brad Crouch (28 possessions and six clearances) starred in his first AFL game back from a fractured leg, while Matthew Wright, Rory Sloane and Richard Douglas also played vital roles.
“We got Crouchy back, who is really important for us. Jarryd Lyons when he came on was great and I thought Danger was also back to his bullocking best,” Jacobs said.
“It was really important for us leaders out there to stand up and make sure we got over the line.”
A parochial South Australian, Jacobs was rapt with the win over Adelaide’s arch enemy but said the four points were the most important aspect.
“It was great to beat the cross-town rival but for our season first and foremost. It was a really important win for us,” he said.
“We’ve already got one eye on the Giants next week though because we’ve been in this position four times already this year (and haven’t backed it up).
“The group is looking forward to playing the Giants next week and, hopefully, really getting our season going.”
Showdown Medal Voting
(maximum 18 votes)
Sam Jacobs (Adel) – 17
Scott Thompson (Adel) – 11
Patrick Dangerfield (Adel) – 2
Brad Crouch (Adel) – 2
Daniel Talia (Adel) – 2
Rory Sloane (Adel) – 1
Travis Boak (Port) – 1
