Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs stars in return from injury but reveals mystery illness halted his comeback

Adelaide key ruckman Sam Jacobs reveals he suffered a setback with his road to recovery after spending two months out with an injury - but it had nothing to do with his troublesome right knee.

Sam Jacobs in action against Sydney before injuring his knee. Picture: Cameron Spencer/AFL Media/Getty Images

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It is a welcome sight to many Crows supporters’ eyes — ruckman Sam Jacobs finally returning to the football field, albeit in the SANFL, after two months on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old had not played a game of football since injuring his right knee during the Crows’ round two AFL win with Sydney at the SCG on March 29.

He not only got through unscathed but impressed in the 36-point victory against North at Prospect Oval on Saturday with five goals, 20 disposals, 28 hit-outs and five clearances.

Speaking to The Advertiser after the win, Jacobs revealed he endured a set back two weeks ago.

Sam Jacobs at Crows training last month. Picture: Sarah Reed

But it had nothing to do with surgery to repair damaged meniscus cartilage on his knee which he had in April.

The setback came about three weeks ago due to a gastro-like illness that forced him spend a night in hospital.

“I had to go hospital I sort of had gastro symptoms and I had a rash,” Jacobs said.

“But it was actually sort of good because it enabled me to get off the knee and give it a chance to actually recover.

“The knee is really good and it’s nice to get through.

Sam Jacobs with coach Don Pyke after a win last year. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I’m now in a really good spot to attack the second half of the year.”

Jacobs played 53 consecutive AFL games and 181 of a possible 185 before missing the past eight weeks with the injury and illness.

The clash against North was his first SANFL appearance since 2011 in which he featured with Woodville-West Torrens.

“To be honest it was good to have a bit of a break from the game.

“I’ve been playing for the best part of 10 years so to have four weeks off to rest the mind and the body got me really excited.

“I love training with the young boys and teaching them and I had a lot of fun out there today.”