Despite his strong SANFL connection, Sam Jacobs believes fielding a reserves team in the local league is the best option for the Crows.

Jacobs, 25, is in the unique position of having played for both a reserves side for an AFL club and his SANFL club, Woodville-West Torrens, during his career.

Originally recruited by Carlton as a rookie in 2006, the South-Australian born ruckman spent most of his four seasons with the Blues developing his game with the Club’s VFL affiliate, the Northern Bullants. Upon returning to SA and joining Adelaide, Jacobs played a handful of games with the Eagles in 2011 as he regained match fitness following a hamstring injury.

Jacobs said his experiences as a young draftee at Carlton had convinced him a reserves team was hugely beneficial for an AFL club.

“When I was at Carlton, I played in a VFL team where we all played together, so I’ve seen both sides of it,” Jacobs told FIVEaa.

“Being a local lad and an Eagles player, guys like myself, Bernie Vince, Jared Petrenko and even (Port Adelaide players) Paul Stewart and Matthew Broadbent … we’re all very close because we came through the system together at the Eagles. We all love going back there to play.

“Regardless of how good it is to go back and play for the Eagles, it’s important we (Crows players) all come back through the same team and structure and get used to playing together. Particularly, for an interstate player, like I was at Carlton. It’s great for camaraderie. When we were playing in the VFL, we’d all get together to watch the senior (Carlton) team play.”

Adelaide’s preferred option is to field a reserves team in the SANFL. If that proposal is not accepted by the eight voting clubs, the Crows reserves will play in the SA Amateur League from next year.

Jacobs admitted it would be “weird” lining up against junior club Woodville-West Torrens should the situation arise.

“It certainly would be different,” he said.

“I was talking to ‘Pup’ (Petrenko) about it and he’s still got mates that play for Henley in the Amateur League, so that could be interesting too depending where it all ends up. The boys are all very keen to see what happens because it’s going to be important for us.

“I hope it’s the best result for SA footy and, hopefully, the Crows are in the SANFL.”