"It was definitely harder, the change from Port (Adelaide) than I thought and I think I'm still adjusting," he told NMFC.com.au.
North's number five made the move across the border in 2012, and has since played 21 games in the royal blue and white.
"Two years in and there's boys who are my age and I'm getting to know a bit better, so you feel more comfortable around them."
Having played regular senior football late in 2014, Jacobs is confident he's earning the respect of his team-mates. The chance to have his voice heard in Utah only strengthening that bond.
"I think I'm one of the older boys (on camp) and I think everyone plays their part in different ways," he said.
"I'm probably more vocal than other people and other people show leadership in different ways. If that's what I can bring, then that's what I've got to bring."
The 22-year-old is keen to secure his spot at AFL level next season and sees the club's high-altitude camp as the perfect stepping stone.
"Even now we've been here 10 days and I'm still struggling to breath a bit. You get back and you really want to capitalise on what you've gained over here.
"I've felt heaps better already and I'm looking forward to a good year.
"Definitely my priority now is to try and get through every session. I felt that late in the year I probably would have carked it if I didn't have a pre-season, so another one is just going to be gold."
It was a challenging year for Jacobs. Despite several high-possession outings at North Ballarat as a midfielder, he managed just three AFL games up until Round 15.
Confidence is key though, and he knew finding that belief in his ability would prove invaluable.
"It was always good to feel comfortable at VFL level because then the next step's AFL," Jacobs added.
"To get that consistency more than just the touches, it was more the consistency I was happy with."
Jacobs' chance finally came and a move to defence saw him flourish; he played 11 of the last 12 games, including two finals.
"(I will) Hopefully play every game this year (2015).
"I want to be a consistent, valuable member of this team. The sooner I can do that, the sooner I can be a bit more happy with myself."
Now, the task of making a defensive spot his own is paramount.
"I'm not exactly (sure) what role it's going to be down back, but late it was showing and playing to the structures, and for me at the end it was trying to take out some of the key-forwards.
"In pre-season if I'm taking out the key-forwards and the smalls and stopping those dangerous ones, it should hold me in good stead to play 20-plus games."
