SANFL stint was great for family time but big Sauce is happy to be back in the big league
Ruckman Sam Jacobs is set to line up for his 200th AFL game on Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Oval, with his wife Izzy and daughter Imogen proudly watching on.
- Grundy factor key to Pyke’s big ruck call
- ‘Purest action I’ve seen’: Dead-eye Darcy makes his mark
- 599 of the best: What’s Eddie’s greatest goal?
- Jacobs set for 200th game
- Sauce and Grigga’s footy journeys to AFL grand final
Despite one of the more challenging years of his career on the field, Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs says the stars have aligned almost perfectly so he can play his 200th game in Adelaide against Collingwood today.
And his wife Izzy has revealed how the couple have made the most of Jacobs’ extended time in the SANFL for the first time as a Crow, revealing how good the experience has been for their young family.
The much-loved Adelaide big-man was originally set to play his 200th game in Melbourne against North Melbourne in Round 4 earlier this year, but a rare injury suffered against the Sydney Swans in just the second game of the season has pushed back this milestone until tonight against the Pies.
Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
Jacobs told The Advertiser while it was frustrating being out of the Crows side, the timing had worked out for his 200th game to be in Adelaide — where the 31-year-old from Ardrossan will be cheered on by 40 family and friends.
“It’s really good to be able to get the game (his 200th) at home, he said.
“Originally the game was going to be against the Kangaroos in Melbourne so really special to have all the family and friends to share the moment with.”
Jacobs ended up playing eight games in the state league after his injury against the Swans, as his protege Reilly O’Brien took his chance in the Crows starting side with both hands and consigned the veteran ruckman to the SANFL.
Jacobs said while he wanted to be playing at AFL level, it wasn’t the end of the world for him.
“Yeah I guess in real life it hasn’t been that hard,” he said.
“It’s only playing SANFL footy so I do have a good outlook on life.
“But while it hasn’t been ideal playing in the SANFL I knew if I maintained a good attitude and did the work I would get my opportunity eventually, it took longer than I would have liked but it is great to be back in the team.”
Izzy, who has been married to Jacobs since 2016 having started dating in 2013, said she had enjoyed bringing their 15-month-old daughter Imogen to SANFL games.
“The SANFL is actually really great for family,” she said.
“Immie can get there and run around on the grass there and take a footy out on the breaks and after the game so it has been really good being able to have Immie running around out there rather than being in the creche (at Adelaide Oval).”
But Izzy is rather pleased to be back at Adelaide Oval today to watch the milestone game for a man who she says is a “perfect husband”.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to watch Sam at home and have all the friends and family there,” she said.
“He’s been perfect actually (around the home this year), he helps out he cooks, he cleans, he does everything with Immie.
Jacobs is out of contract at the end of this year, potentially making today the last time he runs out at Adelaide Oval, but the much-loved Crow said he had not thought of that at all.
“I haven’t thought too much on that (at all), obviously out of contract and the club and management are working on that (his future) really closely,” he said.
“We are really settled in Adelaide so to be honest I haven’t really thought about it, I’ve kind of expected to just be at the Crows.”