NORTH MELBOURNE tagger Ben Jacobs has abandoned a plan to return to football this season to focus on making a recovery to full health. 

Since sustaining what he has termed a "whiplash" injury against Brisbane in round 11 last year, Jacobs has suffered neck pain, headaches, blocked ears and pressure in his head.

The 27-year-old will rest for the remainder of the season in a bid to return for the start of North's pre-season campaign.

Ben Jacobs is tackled at North training in December last year. Picture: AFL Photos

"It's been a very frustrating time for Ben and the club," Kangaroos football chief Cameron Joyce told the club website. 

"We sat down this week and decided the best way forward was to take the pressure off him for an imminent return and allow him all the time he needs to prepare for the pre-season. 

"Our sole focus has been Ben and his health for the short, medium and long-term.

"While we've seen some improvement, unfortunately it hasn't been to the level where he's been able to train consistently and ultimately get back to playing this season."

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After the mishap against the Lions last year, Jacobs made two more appearances, playing the next week in the round 12 loss to Geelong and the round 16 win over Gold Coast, before succumbing to his complex symptoms.

Club medicos initially treated Jacobs for concussion before considering other options. He underwent surgery to clear his sinuses and also had a nerve in his neck burnt off, but the pain persisted.

"It could be an accumulation of a lot of things," Jacobs told the club website in April. 

The 90-gamer, who is contracted for 2020, was optimistic about his playing future.

"My body hasn't been battered and bruised too much … I feel like I have plenty to give," Jacobs said at the time.

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