ADELAIDE veteran Sam Jacobs knew there weren't any guarantees he'd be adding to his illustrious 198-game career this season.
All the 31-year-old ruckman could do was keep performing in the SANFL, where he'd been the past eight weeks, and be ready to perform if called upon.
That time came this week when Jacobs was recalled at the expense of emerging big man Reilly O'Brien for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
Sam Jacobs shows his frustration in the round one loss to Hawthorn. Picture: AFL Photos
"I almost feel like it's my first game again, feels like it's been that long," Jacobs told AFL.com.au.
"I thought I might not get picked again this year.
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"There's been times throughout the year where I've doubted myself, but I've just got to keep controlling what I can and the rest is out of my hands."
Jacobs is back for his first game since the round two win against Sydney.
It's a far cry from the previous seven seasons when he played at least 22 games each year.
Jacobs missed eight weeks with a knee injury, and when he was ready to play again, O'Brien's form was too good to ignore.
"Probably the first four weeks I needed a mental and physical break, probably more mental," Jacobs said.
"The last four weeks, I got the real enjoyment, the real hunger, the real excitement back.
"It's been disappointing at times not to get picked, but I felt I always went back to the SANFL with a great attitude, helped the young guys, make sure I'm in-form so that when I do get the opportunity, I'm ready to go.
"I feel I'm in that position now that I've really deserved my opportunity again."
The form of O'Brien and the fact he signed a two-year contract extension has led to speculation about Jacobs' future at the Crows.
He doesn't believe the next few weeks will determine his place on the list next year.
"It's not like I got dropped when I went out of the team, I was simply injured and the next guy in line was playing really well," Jacobs said.
"From that point of view, I don't feel it's an audition.
"It's just great to be able to get back and hopefully help us in a run towards the finals."
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Jacobs has been linked to a potential move interstate, but having grown up in Ardrossan and with a young family, he admits it would be hard to leave.
"I haven't thought of it too much because I'm so settled here," he said.
"I've always been happy at the Crows.
"I didn't get dropped for form reasons, the biggest thing is the challenge of getting used to playing in the SANFL.
"Down the path, you always think with coaching and that sort of stuff, you might have to go interstate for opportunities, but in the immediate future I haven't thought too much about it."
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Jacobs isn't the only experienced campaigner to return to the fold.
Bryce Gibbs, Eddie Betts and Richard Douglas have all had stints in the SANFL this season.
"Doing it all together has really helped us all as well," Jacobs said.
"We've all gone back.
"The other guys have had a fantastic attitude and hopefully I've been able to have the same impact on the other guys.
"It shows where the group's at.
"We're all really resilient in that sense and we're keen to do the right thing and play good footy as quick as we can."
If Jacobs can hold his spot in the team, he'll bring up game No.200 of his AFL career against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval next week.
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