Luke Jackson trade rumours: What ruckman told Dockers as Justin Longmuir insists he’s staying

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says Luke Jackson will stay in purple, but clubs will still circle the 23-year-old star. Here’s what he’s told the Dockers and the latest on if a move might happen.

Fremantle star Luke Jackson told his management only days ago he wanted to play in the club’s first premiership despite a new relationship that will see Victorian clubs asking about his services.

Melbourne-based clubs have not given up hope of luring Jackson home despite five more seasons on a contract that will pay him over $4 million in that time.

Given the trade period is seven months away anything could happen despite him being traded from Fremantle three years into his career.

But Jackson is understood to have told his management across the weekend it was a lifestyle choice to come back home which he wanted to see out.

He was aware of murmurs about his future at that stage.

Luke Jackson competes in the air with Demons recruit Aidan Johnson on Sunday. Picture: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

But he is chasing Fremantle’s first flag (he was part of the 2021 Demons premiership) and is largely happy at the Dockers after moving home three years into a career that started at Melbourne.

His preferred position is to play first ruck or around the ball as a modern-day rover rather than spending his time predominantly as a key forward.

He lives in Fremantle, has two properties in the west and enjoys the beach lifestyle that is part of being a Dockers player.

Jackson told the club on Sunday he was content at Fremantle and he has a deal through to 2029 that the Dockers would not release him from.

Jackson, 23, is in a relationship with former Australian Diamond and Fox commentator Kelsey Browne, who is working with the West Coast Fever in media and commentary.

Kelsey Browne interviewing Tasmania JackJumper Jordan Crawford. Picture: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images.

Fremantle would never consider a trade for a player with 10 more seasons to play at the Dockers, with five years remaining on his current deal.

So while Jackson might have been open-minded about moving to Victoria he will see out his deal at Fremantle.

The Dockers have the option of sweetening a contract that is incentive-laden and pays him extremely well but not in the top echelon of AFL players.

Just as Essendon’s Zach Merrett was able to use rival interest to ensure his contract was one of footy’s most lucrative, Jackson could also cash in.

The 23-year-old’s deal doesn’t give him the guaranteed money that many of the game’s stars have been able to secure.

He is able to earn over $800,0000 a year if he hits incentives, but as the Herald Sun revealed last year there will be as many as 60 AFL millionaires by 2027.

Fremantle seem unlikely to let Luke Jackson walk to another club. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images)

He is considered happy with that contract – which rises in coming seasons – and it is not considered a factor in him being unsettled at Fremantle.

Coach Justin Longmuir said after the 19-point victory over Melbourne that Jackson was staying put.

“Just nothing I’ve seen of Luke throughout the pre-season has shown me that he wants to leave the club,” he said.

“Someone from the club has spoken to him already. He has reiterated that he doesn’t want to go anywhere and he’s never been happier.”

LONGMUIR: JACKSON HAS ‘NEVER BEEN HAPPIER’ THAN NOW

— Eliza Reilly

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says Luke Jackson has already reaffirmed his commitment to the Dockers amid reports Victorian clubs, including Melbourne, are exploring the possibility of poaching the star ruckman.

The 23-year-old is contracted with the Dockers until 2029 after returning home to Perth three years ago.

Channel 7 has reported that rival club’s are monitoring Jackson’s situation after a change in his personal life, with his partner, netballer Kelsey Browne, hailing from Victoria.

Speaking just hours after the news broke mid-game, Longmuir was adamant that the Dockers have nothing to worry about.

Luke Jackson celebrates kicking a goal against Melbourne. Picture: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

“Someone from the club has spoken to him already and he’s reiterated that he doesn’t want to go anywhere and he’s never been happier,” Longmuir said. “Not a concern.

“Nothing I’ve seen of Luke throughout the pre-season has shown me that he wants to leave our club.

“We’ll leave it at that.”

Melbourne assistant coach Troy Chaplin said the report was a “shock” and could only comment on the premiership Demons’ fruitful performance on Sunday in Mandurah.

“Out of respect for Fremantle, Jacko is a contracted player,” he said. “We don’t have those conversations but what we do know is that he’s a quality player and we saw that today.

“He’s a star of the competition so that’s for Jacko. Out of respect for Fremantle, I won’t get into that.”

Jackson finished with 18 disposals, two goals and nine hit-outs in Fremantle’s 19-point win against Melbourne. With Sean Darcy set to be sidelined for the first few weeks of the season, Jackson is set to share the ruck duties with Liam Reidy.

Luke Jackson, posing alongside Kysaiah Pickett, Trent Rivers and Gary Pert, won a flag at the Demons. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“He’s vital wherever he plays,” Longmuir said.

Chaplin also praised Christian Petracca’s return to the field more than eight months after he suffered life-threatening injuries.

“I had a chat to him at the hotel and said ‘You’re going to be feeling every emotion today.’” He said.

“He did and he said he was a little bit anxious and a little bit nervous. But he’s done a lot of work not only on his body but on his mindset.

“To come out and deliver that sort of performance speaks a lot about him as a player and a human.

The Demons expect Jacob van Rooyen to be available in round one despite the key forward being ruled out in the first quarter with a back spasm.

“He’s had it before but not to that extent,” Chaplin said. “He tried to lead out and it just grabbed. It wasn’t worth the risk.”

Originally published as Luke Jackson trade rumours: What ruckman told Dockers as Justin Longmuir insists he’s staying