Sam Jacobs lauds Bryce Gibbs signing, saying Adelaide is well-positioned for another crack at the AFL flag

RUCKMAN Sam Jacobs has lauded the Crows’ signing of Bryce Gibbs, saying it strengthens their midfield and keeps them firmly in premiership contention next year.

New Adelaide recruits Sam Gibson and Bryce Gibbs. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Gibbs introduced as a Crow

RUCKMAN Sam Jacobs has lauded the Crows’ signing of Bryce Gibbs, saying it strengthens their midfield and keeps them firmly in premiership contention next year.

And he said the addition of veteran Kangaroo Sam Gibson adds another important piece to Adelaide's armoury because of the long-term injury to rebounding half-back Brodie Smith.

Jacobs, who is holidaying in Canada after a tumultuous year in which his brother Aaron passed away, said Gibbs added real class and experience to an on-ball brigade that had been widely criticised since losing superstar Patrick Dangerfield to Geelong two years ago.

“You put Bryce Gibbs into any midfield and he’s going to make it a lot stronger,’’ Jacobs told The Advertiser.

“He’s a fantastic addition to our group and I’m ecstatic that we’ve finally landed him.

“Obviously I am biased and rate our midfield highly anyway but you throw a Gibbs in there and it makes us considerably stronger.

“We went close this year (to winning the flag) and you always have to make sure you continue to improve. Getting Gibbs has helped us do that.’’

Adelaide’s midfield now has four stars, with Gibbs joining vice-captain Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers, Matt and Brad.

Then there is depth, led by Richard Douglas, Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood and Paul Seedsman, along with last year’s top draft pick Jordan Gallucci.

Jacobs, who is a close mate with 231-gamer Gibbs having played with him at Carlton, said he had kept in constant contact with the 28-year-old and had spoken to him regularly about joining the Crows.

But he wasn’t confident until the deal was struck on Thursday.

“I’ve always kept a close eye on him but respectfully left him alone a fair bit, although I did make sure I let him know how keen our club was to have him,’’ Jacobs said.

“I was never confident about getting him after what happened last year but it’s turned out brilliantly.’’

Adelaide - upset in the grand final by Richmond - was forced to trade key defender Jake Lever to Melbourne and speedy forward/midfielder Charlie Cameron to Brisbane but Jacobs believes the additions and improvement in some young players outweighs the losses.

Jacobs said he was blindsided by Cameron's departure but tipped 2015 first-round draft pick Wayne Milera to take over his role.

“We go into 2018 in a very good position,’’ Jacobs said.