IT'S hard to imagine anyone at Adelaide more excited by the arrival of Bryce Gibbs than Sam Jacobs.
The Crows ruckman has tried for years to lure his close mate across from Carlton, where they played together from 2007-10.
But after being unable to secure a move at the end of 2016, Gibbs had more luck at the end of last year when he was traded to the Crows.
"I've been into him for a lot of years," Jacobs said.
"This is my eighth year here, so it's taken eight years to get him across.
"It takes time these things, but it's good to finally get him across."
Jacobs and Gibbs arrived at the Blues at the same time.
Gibbs was the first overall selection of the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, while a couple of days later, Jacobs was the top pick of the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Jacobs played 17 games in four seasons with the Blues before requesting a trade back to South Australia for greater opportunities to play senior football.
The 29-year-old has become one of the premier ruckmen in the competition and his combination with Gibbs will be crucial at the Crows winning the ball at stoppages.
"A few of the boys are a bit worried I'm going to look after him more than them," Jacobs said.
"We've got a really good group in there and he's going to add plenty to us.
"You might even see him play a little bit of half-back this year.
"He's a really versatile player and it's exciting to have him here and play with him again."
Jacobs joked he was the "driving force" for a mini Carlton reunion taking place at the Crows, with Gibbs joining Jacobs and electric small forward Eddie Betts at West Lakes.
The Crows returned to training on Monday, knowing the next four to six weeks will be crucial in laying a platform they can build on for the rest of the year.
"January, in terms of football, is one of the most important months," Jacobs said.
"It's definitely the toughest, because you've got no reason to not get smashed on the training track.
"We've got really high standards and that's where we've got to get our real improvement.
"We'll start to launch into footy stuff and you'll see guys try different positions.
"It's a big month to make sure we're right to go."
Jacobs said second-year midfielder Myles Poholke, winger Rory Atkins and defender Tom Doedee had returned in great shape.
"There's a whole host of young guys who are going to put their hand up for spots that are available," he said.
"Myles Poholke looks really strong, Rory Atkins has gone to another level and Tom Doedee smells a bit of an opportunity.
"It's really exciting for those guys to put themselves on show.
"No one's safe, all the spots are up for grabs."
The Crows will be involved in AFLX at Hindmarsh Stadium on February 15, before taking on Fremantle in the JLT Community Series at Strathalbyn Oval on February 25.
