Three-time Showdown Medallist Sam Jacobs is ready to impart his wisdom onto Adelaide’s youngsters by helping out alongside SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden.

Jacobs hung up his AFL boots at the end of 2020 after 208 games and has since been working at the Crows as the Club’s Engagement Executive.

He will combine those duties with helping Adelaide’s emerging midfielders and ruckmen in 2022.

Jacobs, who lined up in 12 AFL seasons with Carlton, Adelaide and GWS, featured with his junior club Ardrossan in the Yorke Peninsula Football League this year.

But the 33-year-old told AFC Media he was now keen to help out on the sidelines for a bit and pass on advice to the Crows’ developing players.

“Going back to local footy was great and I always said I’d play one year with my home club,” Jacobs said.

“But the opportunity to be able to get back into a more serious level was very appealing and having a strong affiliation with the Crows, it seemed a natural fit.

“I think having a year at the local level will help me connect with these guys because I know what they go through and it’s about prioritising the areas they can get better at.”\

The opportunity to be able to get back into a more serious level was very appealing.

Adelaide has recruited a host of new players ahead of the 2022 SANFL season, including former Central District speedster Isaya McKenzie, ex-Eagle Chris Hall and former West Adelaide and state under-18 Josh Smithson.

McKenzie completed half a pre-season with West Coast in 2020 with the hope of being picked up in the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period.

But an ACL injury sustained during training left him sitting on the sidelines for the entire season and he returned to SA.

McKenzie, 23, said the opportunity to play League football in a professional environment with the Crows was one he could not pass on.

He said he would bring forward pressure, speed and an accurate kick to the Club’s SANFL side.

“I had a really good experience with West Coast but unfortunately did my ACL, so now I’m just trying to get back into the swing of things,” McKenzie said.

“I wanted to get back into SANFL because I thought I’d kick myself later on in life if I didn’t give it another shot.

“The Crows ended up being the best option for me… they were very accommodating for me and my family and enticed me to come across.

“The ability to potentially train with the AFL boys as well is a bonus, so I just want to showcase my skills.”