Sam Jacobs concedes 2017’s grand final hurt ‘will never leave’ but Adelaide’s mojo is back.
Why Sam Jacobs says Adelaide 2017’s grand final hurt ‘will never leave’ but the spark that fuelled it to the big dance is back.
- Blight: What’s on your mind, Rory?
- Crows won’t bow to Tiger pain
- Power rankings: Heart and soul of Crows
- Tex was superb: Dermie
- AFL Daily: All the latest news and views
SAM Jacobs concedes 2017’s grand final hurt ‘will never leave’ but the power of Adelaide’s collective mindset and spark that fuelled it to the big dance is back.
Jacobs believes Adelaide can salvage its finals dream from a 7-7 win-loss record that leaves no margin for error over the remaining eight games of the regular season.
“At the moment it is in our hands so if we can keep winning it keeps us in a good position. We have real confidence in where we are at as a team,” said Jacobs.
“We had a good year last year, built that form for a while so have no doubt if we can get our players back, play the way we want we can really make an impact in the second half of the season.”
Becoming the first side to topple the premier in over year at the MCG would make a blockbuster statement about Adelaide’s character.
“I think it’s something that will probably never leave you, but at the moment, it’s not something I’m giving any time to,” said Jacobs of Adelaide’s upset loss in last season’s decider.
“You’re putting your energy into the wrong things if you’re worrying about what happened last September.
“We’re just looking at it as a good opportunity to keep rolling and get our season back on track.”
“We know how good they are. We will relish the opportunity to go back to the MCG and perform there. If we want to get to where to want to go to we have got to perform well there.”
A 10-point defeat of flag contender West Coast last Saturday unveiled green shoots of a trademark, attacking game that deserted injury plagued Adelaide over four consecutive losses.
“Hopefully it’s a turning point in terms of our offensive game, that’s part of what we’ve been lacking,” said Jacobs, relishing a heavyweight bout with fellow, in-form ruckman Toby Nankervis.
“It felt like when we played our best footy, you could see that real enjoyment was there.
“The enjoyment’s not manufactured, it comes when you’re playing well and performing.”
The return of vice-captain Rory Sloane provided a spiritual “lift” Adelaide missed over nine weeks sidelined with a Lisfranc injury.
“A guy who comes in and has eight tackles and seven clearances, leadership and confidence he gives you around the stoppage is massive,” said Jacobs, among Adelaide’s best against West Coast while opposed to Nic Naitanui on Saturday.
“It is a combination of confidence and personnel. You take Rory Laird, Brodie Smith, Rory Sloane and Brad Crouch out of a team it is hard to generate confidence.”
Adelaide humbled the Tigers in round two at Adelaide Oval. Jacobs says Richmond’s 16-game winning streak at the MCG holds no fears for Don Pyke’s men. The Tigers’ spirit - epitomised by a group embrace of injured Reece Conca against Sydney - is Adelaide’s main obstacle in Friday prime time.
“Watching on Friday night, Jack Riewoldt ripped the game apart, they have the small guys and play with that passion for each other,” said Jacobs.
Link-man Tom Lynch should bolster Adelaide against Richmond and but David Mackay remains in doubt.
“I think Lynchy will be alright. It was unfortunate what happened,” said Jacobs of newly contracted Lynch who suffered a head knock at training before Saturday’s win against West Coast.
“DMac is just a bit sore in the ribs, is a professional, played a lot of footy. For a small guy he really puts his body on the line and has a real dip.”