BEN JACOBS has "no doubt" he'll be at North Melbourne next year, saying he hasn't "thought twice" about his protracted contract negotiations with the club.
Jacobs made a strong return to AFL football in the first half of 2018 after missing most of the previous two seasons with foot injuries.
However, the run-with midfielder has played just once since round 12 because of ongoing concussion symptoms.
In the meantime, his contract talks with the club have progressed slowly, with his struggle to get back to full fitness a complicating factor.
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Jacobs told NMFC.com.au's In Review podcast he had been "very frustrated" by his health battles but had no concerns about his future with the Roos.
"There's no doubt I'll be here next year and we're sorting through that now with my manager and the list management team here," Jacobs said.
"I think it's just one of those unique situations that it hasn't been done yet, but obviously through different circumstances that's where it's at.
"I haven't thought twice about it, I'm shaping up for a pre-season for North Melbourne in 2019 and that's it."
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Jacobs has no long-term concerns about his health, saying his condition is "not career-ending or anything like that".
The 26-year-old is also buoyed by the fact his foot gave him no issues in the 13 games he played in 2018.
Jacobs' form in those matches was outstanding as he blanketed opposition stars such as Dustin Martin, Patrick Cripps, Tom Mitchell and Clayton Oliver.
So he is understandably looking forward to 2019 with great optimism.
"To have gotten through those 13 games not having to worry about the foot was a massive tick, and I'm going to go into the pre-season with no foot issues, nothing to worry about and just ready to have a big pre-season," Jacobs said.
"As soon as I've cleared up what I've got going on at the moment I'll be straight into running and that type of stuff.
"I wasn't into training or doing high-end running until January last year.
"I think my big goal is to crack in this off-season and pre-season more than I ever have and hopefully take my game to the next level because I think that's what a good pre-season is going to do for me.
"Being out there for a full season will be the goal in 2019."
Meanwhile, the Roos have confirmed Aaron Greaves has joined the club as head of player development.
Greaves spent five years at Port Adelaide and two at Melbourne as midfield coach.
"We are continually looking at ways in which we can improve and bring new and fresh ideas into the club," Kangaroos general manager of football Cameron Joyce said.
"We believe Aaron’s the perfect fit for North with his vast industry experience, and ability to work closely with the players from both the men’s and women’s teams.
"Aaron understands the demands of the game and he is a real leader in his field."
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