A week off has helped veteran Crow Sam Jacobs bounce back to form, with the ruckman relishing the opportunity to return home during the break.

Jacobs played a key role in Saturday’s 10-point victory over West Coast, collecting 39 hit-outs, 18 disposals and one goal to help lead Adelaide to their first win since Round 9.

“For me it was a great refresh, I was able to go back to Yorke Peninsula and relax and it put me in a great spot for the second half of the year,” Jacobs said.

“When I’m playing with that energy I can impact the game and that was something that was missing pre-bye.

“It is mentally good for you just to get away, have some really good sessions just to build that confidence within your body.”

Jacobs says the whole team came back from the bye refreshed and ready to turn the tide after four consecutive losses.

“On the weekend we were actually playing how we wanted to, whereas against Hawthorn we were getting smashed around the ball,” he said.

“Against West Coast we were playing well and just released those shackles.”

This Friday he resumes his rivalry with Richmond’s Toby Nankervis, with the duo playing their part in some recent hot contests between the two sides.

“Nankervis… I saw him play against Sydney on Thursday night and he was fantastic, I think he had 10 or so tackles which is massive for a ruckman,” Jacobs said

“His around-the-ground stuff is his strength and that’s what Richmond really love about him; his aggression at the bloke with the ball, his follow-up, and he’s really competitive in the ruck.

“I have to use my strength to give our team first use and hopefully match him around the ground.”

Jacobs also highlighted Richmond’s team balance and the form of Jack Riewoldt who had 23 disposals, 16 marks and three goals in their win over Sydney.

With eight games to play in the home and away season, Jacobs knows Adelaide has its destiny in its own hands.

“Enjoyment’s not manufactured, it comes from playing well and performing,” he said.

“In terms of our offensive game that’s part of what we’ve been lacking. We kicked four goals against Hawthorn which is really unlike a Crows side.

“At the moment it’s in our own hands. If we can just keep winning it keeps us in a good position.

“We’ve got real confidence in where we’re at as a team. We’ve got no doubt if we get our players back, get playing the way we want, we can really make an impact in the second half.”