Fremantle Dockers

“One of the best”: Luke Jackson anoints re-committed teammate

The towering Docker turned his back on Victorian overtures.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

Rising Fremantle hybrid Luke Jackson has labelled a recently re-committed teammate "one of the best" in the competition at his position.

Ruckman Sean Darcy, who penned a whopping six-year contract extension to tie his future to Cockburn until at least the end of the 2030 campaign, put to bed rumours of a Victorian return, having originated from the Geelong Falcons.

Jackson believes his rucking tandem with Darcy is the catalyst to a deep Fremantle finals run, with an ankle injury to Darcy limiting the pair's one-two punch in 2023.

The 22-year-old Jackson, who was traded to his hometown Dockers from Melbourne in 2022, is slated to come out of his Fremantle contract in 2029, having signed a bumper deal upon his Western Australian return.

"The most important thing is probably playing more games together," Jackson began, via 9News Perth.

"We played a few (games together) this season past. But, if we can get out on the park together a lot more, I reckon that will go a long way.

"Sean's obviously like, one of the best rucks in the comp. I'm happy just helping him out when he's having a rest.

Sean Darcy during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

"It frees my game up a little bit (playing forward when Darcy's rucking). I feel like I'm more involved out there when I'm switching [positions]."

Before cementing his career shift, Jackson claimed a premiership medallion with the Demons in 2021 when Melbourne downed the Western Bulldogs in a Grand Final played in his home state at Optus Stadium.

"It was unreal to win a flag at Melbourne and get a feel for what it is. I want to bring some of that over to Freo," Jackson said.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Luke Jackson of the Dockers handballs during the AFL Match Simulation between the Fremantle Dockers and Adelaide Crows at Victor George Kailis Oval on February 24, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Fremantle regressed this year, winning just ten games after notching a 15-win 2022 campaign that saw the Dockers storm into September and earn a semi-final berth.

Jackson highlighted his maiden season in purple by lodging 15.0 disposals and 3.4 marks per game; representing career-best means.

The Dockers host the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium in their season-opening fixture next year.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski