Influential players Sam Jacobs and Richard Douglas have been elevated to Adelaide’s leadership group for Season 2016.

The experienced pair joins Taylor Walker, who will captain the Crows for a second-straight year, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo and Daniel Talia in a seven-man leadership group.

All Adelaide players were asked to cast their votes in line with the player’s ability to consistently display and live the team’s values and behaviours.

Senior Coach Don Pyke said Jacobs and Douglas were prime examples of how Crows players should carry themselves both on and off the field.

“The challenge for the two guys stepping up, and those already in the group, is to maintain and drive the elite standards of this Club,” Pyke said.

“In saying that every player at the Club, irrespective of their age and games played, is expected to live our trademark, show leadership and help those around them get better. As I have said previously, we are about continual improvement and look forward to the year ahead.”

Douglas and Jacobs return to official roles after a year outside the senior group.

Douglas, 29, was voted into the leadership group for the first time in 2014.

The 2010 Crows Club Champion, who has played 171 AFL games, is excited about the challenge.

“I see my role as helping take some pressure off the guys already in the leadership group,” he said.

“Importantly, we also need to help the other emerging leaders step up.”

This will be Jacobs’ third year in an official leadership role, having been part of the group in 2013-14.

The 27-year-old ruckman has played 110 games since being traded to the Crows from Carlton at the end of 2010.

“I am thrilled that my teammates have recognised me in this way, and that for me is the ultimate compliment,” he said.

“I also look forward to helping build on the standards and behaviours already in place.

“I have always tried to behave like a leader around the Club whether there has been an official title next to my name or not.”

Talia, 24, is entering his second season in the leadership group, and is the youngest member.

Sloane and Walker, both 25, are established leaders having assumed official roles in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Former captain van Berlo and All Australian midfielder Scott Thompson are long-time members of the leadership group.

As was the case last year, the Club hasn’t appointed a vice-captain.