The tagger is not dead, according to North’s Ben Jacobs.

Likely to make his long-awaited return this season after a number of serious footy injuries, Jacobs believes the run-with role still has a place in today’s game.

“I don’t think the tagger is dead,” Jacobs told SEN.

“Come finals time every year, someone always goes to someone.”

Jacobs made his mark as one the league’s premier defensive midfielders in the 2015 elimination final against Richmond after he kept Trent Cotchin to just nine disposals.

Nearly three years on, the midfielder believes he will play a comparable role this season.

“I’m definitely looking to play a similar role again,” Jacobs said.

“What that role looks like each week is yet to be decided.

“Whether I go all around the ground with them, or if I just stay inside with them will depend on the player and the team.”

Jacobs has impressed this pre-season by playing in both JLT Community Series matches,  and was asked to play multiple roles on star opponents including Clayton Oliver, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin.

The 26-year-old simply couldn’t be happier to be back playing.

“It’s brilliant to be back out there amongst the boys,” Jacobs commented.

“It’s come around quicker than I thought. I thought I’d probably be back playing about now, but I’ve been playing some intra-club games since late January, so it’s good to be back and I forgot how much I enjoyed it.”

The midfielder could be considered somewhat of a good luck charm for North, with the side winning nine of its past ten when Jacobs has played.

However, with its focus firmly on Round 1, North is working hard to ensure luck isn’t a factor on March 24.

“Selection will be tight for Round 1 which makes it competitive and a good environment,” Jacobs added.

“We had a big hit-out on Wednesday and we’ll have another big hit-out on Friday and then we’ll taper into Round 1.

“We’ll travel up Thursday because we’re playing in Cairns, so we’ll get up there a day or two before Saturday.”