The AFL should tweak its third-man up ruck rules rather than ban the tactic, Adelaide tap-man Sam Jacobs says.

The AFL is considering banning the third man up at ruck contests – where a player other than designated ruckmen compete for the tap.

Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

While clubs are split on the potential ban, Jacobs says the tactic should remain – with a rule tweak.

"It's important that you can't just allow players to have a jump into you," Jacobs told reporters on Thursday.