Behind it all, the benefits of his first full pre-season has been apparent.
When NMFC.com.au talked to Jacobs back in November, he stated his goal was to take part in every single day of the pre-season.
Speaking at Arden Street in the days leading up to the bye, Jacobs reflected on how achieving that goal has furthered his game.
“It was another step in my development,” he said.
“I feel the benefits more in-game. I can tap into the different running abilities that I haven’t been able to do in the past. I feel better out on the ground and like I have more capabilities.
“I’m definitely getting more of an understanding of what my body is and what its strengths are.”
Jacobs played three consecutive games as a substitute for North against Port Adelaide, Sydney and Collingwood. After playing the role twice in 2013, he had a plan on how to approach the red vest.
“It was a bit different being the sub for three weeks and then the travelling emergency to Perth. There’s a lot of things out of your control as a sub so you have to be ready for anything.
“I took it in my stride and didn’t overanalyse anything or get myself worked up. I tried to go with the flow and relax as much as I could in those games.”
When a substitute sits on the bench for the better part of three quarters before being called into action, there’s always the question of just how ready the player is to find their feet.
It’s not unusual to see a newly introduced player struggle with the pace of a clash for the first few minutes or appear tentative. However, Jacobs explained the process undertaken to prevent a situation like that from happening.
“We try to warm up every few minutes and go for a stride. You want to be as ready as you can be if you have to come on the next second, but also not to overdo it so when you do come on you’re spent.
“You get to that point where it’s only going to take four or five hard strides and you’re set to go physically. Then you have to make sure you’re mentally in the game as much as possible.”
Jacobs’ first appearance as the substitute this year was against his former side.
After 26 games in two years at the Power, it understandably made the game at Etihad Stadium a grueling experience.
“It was one of the harder games I’ve played. Sitting on the bench and watching for three quarters, I was taxed by the end of the game both mentally and physically.
“To be so close when I came on the field there was so many emotions going on. It was a bit surreal. It was a hectic game and one I was just so thankful we won.
“I spent the last few minutes on the bench because I couldn’t get a rotation back on. Usually you’re just so keen to get back on but I was so caught up in the game and so nervous I was lost in watching.”
Jacobs kicked a crucial long goal in the final term to draw North within three points of the Power. Perhaps the most memorable part was his celebration of unrestrained joy, complete with double-fist pumping and bear hugs with great mate Luke McDonald.
He was set up for the goal by Nick Dal Santo - a player he has great respect for.
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“With Dal he’s a calm head out there. He’s probably the best communicator I’ve played with out on the ground," Jacobs added.
“For example as I soon as I got the ball he was calling out ‘goals’, so he helped leave no doubt at all in my mind with what to do.”
Jacobs has spent the last fortnight playing for North Ballarat playing in the VFL. During his time with the Roosters in 2013 he had some inconsistencies, but has returned this season with two quality performances.
Firstly he travelled to Geelong only 24 hours after catching the red-eye flight back from Perth. That afternoon he collected 39 possessions, before backing up with 32 disposals and 12 clearances at Eureka Stadium against Footscray.
His clearance work in particular has come in for praise from North Development Manager Ben Dyer. The first-year coach has proven an invaluable resource for Jacobs as he continues to develop as a footballer.
“I’ve done a lot of work with Ben, Gavin Brown and Jarred Moore with stoppages. I talk to Spin (Andrew Swallow) a lot as well which definitely helps.
“Being my fourth year into the game I have more knowledge of systems and can be smarter around the ground.
“There’s not really a comparison to 12 months ago. I feel like it’s second nature now playing the North way. Now it’s about developing the player I’m capable of being.”
Promisingly, three consecutive substitute appearances didn’t affect Jacobs’ fitness base.
“I don’t think I have lost any fitness... with the full pre-season and I’m also pretty careful about my diet and recovery – when I control that I feel fine fitness-wise.
“When I came back to Ballarat it was actually one thing I didn’t know about – what that month of not playing full games was going to do to me. I felt fine though and was able to run out games strongly.”
It’s all part of Jacobs becoming a balanced player as he gains more experience with consistent football.
“Sometimes you can go into games thinking how am I going to get a kick. Now I know with the set things I do defensively and with work-rate, the rest will happen off that. It starts with the little things, the team things and then it will fall into place.
“It’s good to have that blend because I can go into a game knowing it’ll all be based around work rate and little things. Even if you don’t get the rest of it coming, it’s not the end of the world because you know you’ve played your role for the team.”
