New GWS ruckman Sam Jacobs has admitted that his injury setback earlier in the year was a blessing in disguise.
One of the most durable players of the decade, Jacobs has played at least 19 games every season since 2011. That streak ended this year, with a knee injury seeing him miss two months.
The ruckman says the time off helped him fall back in love with the game.
“When I got injured it was almost a relief. Mentally I was probably not going that well,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I hadn’t missed a game for the better part of 10 years so it was actually sort of good to have a break and miss the game again.
“Halfway through the time I was out injured, I really got the buzz back and excitement and love and I was able to finish the year really strongly.
“My body is really good and mentally I’m really good as well.”
Jacobs says he chose GWS over former club Carlton as he remains focused on winning a flag.
“The Giants are a really good fit for me. They’re right around the mark at the moment and Mumford needs a bit of support in there as well so it’s a really good natural fit,” he said.
“I’m obviously still chasing that flag and I had a medical with Carlton and had a bit of interest elsewhere, but the opportunity to go up there and play with a club who is going to be right up there is high up there.”