In the same year, he won the Mel Whinnen medal for his best on ground performance in the South Fremantle Colts 2003 WAFL premiership side.

Jacob was part of the WA Under-18 National Championships squad, putting in two very good performances at the carnival, before injuring a calf and having a reasonably quiet 3rd game.

The hard chasing, strong tackling midfielder and small defender was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in 2006 for his 26-disposal game from half-back against Hawthorn in round 11.

Jacob's game has been typified with explosive pace, ferocious tackling and an ability to win the contested football.

He has become an important member of the Port Adelaide defence playing as the shut down defender, rated highly throughout the league for his ability to curb dangerous small forwards, his uncompromising attitude all the while sacrificing his body in the contest to help out teammates.

In 2019 Surjan was appointed as senior coach for the North Adelaide Roosters for the 2020 SANFL season on a three-year contract.