He’s been at the club for just over two months, but North’s off-season addition Ben Jacobs is already making an impression at Aegis Park.
After Brent Harvey recently described Jacobs as ‘one of the most professional guys’ he’s seen at the club, Scott Thompson has also shared his praise for the 21-year old.
“He’s really shown hard work so far in the pre-season,” Thompson told NMFC.com.au.
“…his hard work and his running. He never gives up.
“He doesn’t take any shortcuts. He does everything right.”
Injuries and illness restricted the highly touted youngster from finding his best form at Port Adelaide, but after signalling his intentions of a return home to Melbourne, North was one of several clubs to chase Jacobs' signature.
A deal couldn’t be struck during the trade period, but the Kangaroos landed their man in the National Draft at pick 37.
"I think it is a great step for North Melbourne that a player who has pretty much got a choice as to where he can go, decides that 'I'm going to North Melbourne',” senior coach Brad Scott told the Herald Sun in January.
Time in the midfield could be on the cards at his new club, but Jacobs’ natural instinct is a bonus for the back six too.
“I love him because with his midfield running patterns he’s a defender first, midfielder second, which the defence loves because he comes down and helps us down back,” Thompson added.
“Defend first and then get the ball goes a long way in football.”
While he’s still relatively inexperienced, the former Sandringham Dragons player isn’t afraid to share his voice either.
“He’s got a lot of football knowledge, so everyone’s listening to him, and he’s going to be a great addition for us.
“We’re looking forward to him stepping out and playing some good games for us.”
Jacobs’ first test will come in a week’s time as North heads to Eureka Stadium, Ballarat for its first intraclub match.
