Former Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs has returned to the club in joining the coaching ranks of the Crows' SANFL side.

Jacobs departed West Lakes at the end of the 2019 season after 184 games in the blue, red and gold, joining Greater Western Sydney.

The veteran ruckman called time on his career 12 months later, ending a 208-game career that included stints with the Blues, Crows and Giants.

After hanging up the boots, Jacobs made a return to Adelaide as the club's engagement executive for this year, with that role set to continue along with his new position aiding SANFL coach Michael Godden next year.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Brodie Smith of the Crows and an emotional Sam Jacobs of the Crows embrace each other as the final siren sounds during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Adelaide Oval on September 7, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jacobs is set to mentor emerging ruckmen and midfielders in the Crows' reserves, bringing plenty of AFL experience and pedigree.

"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," Jacobs toldย AFC Media.ย 

โ€œI think having a year at the local level will help me connect with these guys because I know what they go through and itโ€™s about prioritising the areas they can get better at.โ€

Adelaide's SANFL side managed just the five wins from their 18 matches in 2021, amassing an eighth-place finish to their year.