Former Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs wins Eagles coaching gig

Former Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs is returning to his roots, appointed as coach of SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens.

Sam Jacobs is returning to the Eagles nest.

In a full circle moment, the former star Adelaide Crows ruckman has been appointed coach of SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens, the club from where he was drafted.

He replaces dual premiership coach Jade Sheedy, who left at the end of the season after four successful years in charge.

“This is such an exciting opportunity and one I’m really looking forward to,’’ Jacobs, 35, told The Advertiser.

“I’m very honoured to lead a club that I have so much love and passion for, the Eagles are my (SANFL) club, and I hope to continue the great history that has been established there.

“I feel like I am coming home.’’

Sam Jacobs in action in the SANFL for Woodville-West Torrens in 2006.

Sam Jacobs takes a strong mark for the Crows against Hawthorn in 2019. Picture: Sarah Reed

One of the Eagles favourite sons, Jacobs knows he has big shoes to fill.

Sheedy led the Eagles to premierships in his first two years in charge in 2020 and 2021 before they finished seventh and eighth in the past two seasons.

“The whole history of the Eagles has been pretty successful, they have missed the finals only seven times in 33 years, so I’m looking forward to getting them back where they belong,’’ Jacobs said.

The job will be Jacobs’ first major coaching gig.

He was player-coach of his hometown club Ardrossan in 2021 and last year was Adelaide SANFL coach Michael Godden’s assistant and midfield mentor.

“Obviously I have plenty to learn but I have a lot of knowledge, having played (senior) footy for 15 years, been in a (AFL) leadership group for five years and having worked alongside some outstanding coaches along the way,’’ Jacobs said.

“With the help of my Eagles assistants, I’m confident my strengths will hold me in good stead.’’

Sam Jacobs (left) rucking for the Crows against North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Jacobs will be supported by club legend Gavin Colville, who has been appointed as senior assistant coach and his right-hand man.

Colville played 232 games for the Eagles from 1995-2008, winning four best and fairest awards, and was captain for six years from 2001-06.

He coached West Adelaide for three years from 2018-20.

Jacobs, who has three young children, started his SANFL career with the Eagles in 2006 before being drafted by Carlton in the 2007 rookie draft.

He played 17 games in two years for the Blues before being traded to the Crows, where he became a star, playing 184 games in nine seasons, winning three Showdown Medals and being named in the All-Australian squad three times, before finishing his career with Greater Western Sydney.

Sam Jacobs when he was appointed Adelaide SANFL assistant and midfield coach in 2022, alongside players (from left) Chris Hall, Josh Smithson and Isaya McKenzie. Picture: Dean Martin

Jacobs played only one season for the Giants in 2020, managing seven games before retiring from the AFL.

This year he played for Flagstaff Hill in the Southern Football League, winning his first senior premiership medal in a fitting end to his playing career.

New Eagles chief executive David Couzner said Jacobs was the standout among a host of “exceptional’’ candidates for the coaching gig and that the club was “incredibly confident that we have chosen the right person’’.

“We are delighted to have Sam back at the club,’’ Couzner said.

“He was a standout performer during his time with the club and quickly became a fan favourite.

“His passion for the game and leadership skills were evident from the start and we are excited to see what he can achieve in his new role.’’