Sam Jacobs says he’s still keen to recruit Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide after last year’s failed trade

ADELAIDE couldn’t get a trade for Bryce Gibbs over the line last year. One of their stars is keen for a second crack at the Carlton midfielder.

Bryce Gibbs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ADELAIDE ruckman Sam Jacobs says he’ll be trying his best to convince close friend Bryce Gibbs to again push for a trade to the Crows at season’s end.

Gibbs requested a trade to Adelaide at the end of last season, but the Crows and Carlton were unable to settle on a deal for the contracted midfielder.

“Absolutely, I’ll be trying my best (to get in his ear),” Jacobs told Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight.

“I’ve been into him for a few years now and last year we finally made some ground but (it) unfortunately didn’t come off.”

Gibbs starred in Carlton’s loss to Adelaide, recording 30 disposals, 15 tackles and two goals in a superb individual performance.

The midfielder has averaged 28.3 disposals, 5.3 tackles and 6.4 tackles per game this season and has consistently been one of the Blues’ top performers.

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“He’s playing great footy again at the moment — he’s certainly showed us as a club what he can do when was in full flight on the weekend,” Jacobs said.

“And it’s great to see him — he’s taking contested marks, he had 15 tackles again on the weekend and I think he’s really elevating his game to be one of the premier midfielders in the competition.”

Jacobs — who played his early football with Gibbs at Carlton before moving to Adelaide — said it was “no secret” the Crows were looking to secure another top-line midfielder, with Gibbs fitting the bill.

“I guess our club’s made no secret that we are in line and looking for a midfielder,” he said.

“So it’d be great to get one of your close mates to come over and play.”

Bryce Gibbs and former team mate Sam Jacobs

Meanwhile, the Crows ruckman said he expected talented young defender Jake Lever to remain at the club.

Lever is out of contract at the end of the season and has averaged 6.1 marks, 9.8 intercept possessions and 16.5 disposals in just his third year of AFL football.

“I do (think he’ll stay). Jake’s one of my close mates, I’ve got real confidence that he’s going to stay at the Crows,” Jacobs said.

“Obviously you don’t know until it’s locked in but he’s going to be a really strong leader of our footy club hopefully in the years coming forward and he’s a really quality person.

“I think now he’s showing his real capabilities as a player. He’s a guy that’s playing probably beyond his years — he’s only a third year player, he’s got a lot to learn.

“But he’s been fantastic for us and I’m really excited to see what he can do for the club in the coming years.”

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Originally published as Sam Jacobs says he’s still keen to recruit Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide after last year’s failed trade