The upcoming AFL trade period is set to get interesting with Luke Jackson looking to head home to Western Australia. So where will he land?
Following ongoing speculation and reports, Luke Jackson has confirmed that he wants to return to home state Western Australia. It now sets up to be a major part of the AFL’s sign and trade period that begins later this month.
Discourse has Fremantle as the leading contender to land Jackson, but West Coast aren’t without their own claims. It’s likely the move will trigger multiple trades, impacting more than just two clubs.
Both Western Australian teams still remain in the mix to secure Jackson. Here’s a breakdown of what the Melbourne star can bring to either team, and what a move to the west would mean for the Demons.
Fremantle
Melbourne will no doubt be fighting hard to get a strong return for trading Jackson. It’s been reported that Fremantle have tabled a long-term offer worth $900,000 a season for the 20-year-old.
The move to poach the 2021 Rising Star has seen mixed reactions from many people.
Some say that he has proven he’s worth the eye-watering figure, given his early accomplishments. But his recent form has complicated matters, unable to sustain the output of earlier in 2022 and last year.
The word is that the Dees are after two top-ten Draft picks as compensation for Jackson. At the time of writing, Fremantle’s earliest draft pick is 13. But it’s likely their Draft position improves, with other Dockers interested in departing the West. It’s predicted Fremantle will be one of the most active during the trade period with an exodus of players on the horizon.
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Sean Darcy is currently holding up well as the club’s number one ruckman, and currently has a year remaining on his contract. Darcy is aided by Lloyd Meek (also a year remaining on his contract) and Rory Lobb. But Lobb’s trade request to the Western Bulldogs sees a potential spot open for Jackson to come in and further bolster the Dockers’ ruck stocks.
Jackson could also see himself on the forward line with rumours swirling over potential exits including Griffin Louge.
West Coast
The Eagles also remain in the race for Jackson’s services, as the Demon has not named a preferred destination. The club also does appear to be a good fit for the footballer. Given the circumstances that the club have fought against over the past few years, the arrival of Jackson could provide a benefit to the Eagles.
At present West Coast has pick 2, which is their first round one pick since Andrew Gaff in 2010. Their other draft picks are 20, 26, 38 and 74. However, question marks remain whether the choice to leave pick 2 out of negotiations for Jackson will cause the Eagles to miss out.
The experience of young Jackson, which already includes a key role in Melbourne’s 2021 flag, should help set a standard for the club as it regenerates.
The Eagles re-signed veteran Nic Naitanui for another two years. Jackson could slot into the team’s ruck stockpile alongside the veteran, as Naitinui scales back his workload.
Embed from Getty ImagesBailey Williams and Callum Jamieson, who both recently re-signed, are the only other ruck options on the Eagles’ list.
Conclusion:
It would be reasonable for the Eagles to go aggressive in their efforts for the departing Demons footballer.
Finishing the home and away season 17th, West Coast would be wanting to do everything to kickstart their ladder rise and improve on a two-win season. It seems like Jackson would be an ideal fit for the Eagles.
The Dockers would welcome Jackson with open arms, but it’s their rivals with more currency. It may ultimately may come down to whether West Coast is open to giving up its prized Draft possession, pick two.
