For Jacobs, 2001 was basically his second season as a senior AFL footballer. He had shown himself to be a promising young player in 2000 and the question on everyone's lips was: Could Jacobs maintain his rate of improvement and become a permanent senior player? At the completion of 2001, the answer was a resounding yes.
Jacobs played 23 senior games in 2001 and he added another string to his bow by spending the majority of that time across the half back line. It was a role that Jacobs grew into and by mid-season he had decided that is where he wanted to play. His transistion to defence was a bonus for the Bombers who were struggling to find tall defenders late in the season and into the finals. He finished the year with 172 kicks, 99 handballs and 96 marks. It was an average of just over 11 possessions per game and a reflection of his changing role in the team.
There is little doubt Jacobs matured significantly as a footballer in 2001 and the most telling match was the final game of the year. On Grand Final day Jacobs was clearly in essendon's top three players and he stood tall against a rampant Brisbane side. It could be a significant day in the career of a player who occasionally lets the self doubts creep in. He was a fine performer on the biggest day in football.
How will he be used?
Jacobs has shown he can play in a number of positions but it appears he and the coaching panel have settled on the half back line. Jacobs can play tall yet his mobility can still enable him to generate some rebound through the mid-field. He could also pinch hit up forward at times. He is an excellent mark and he could pose some problems for opposition sides.
What will the coaches want on match day?
They will be very keen for Jacobs to continue his development as a defender and take up where he left off at the end of last season. They will want him to play disciplined football but also to back himself at the right times. He is a natural talent who reads the game well and the coaching staff won't want to stifle that instinct.
