Fremantle ruck Luke Jackson on rucking solo against Lloyd Meek, Sean Darcy’s return, facing his old Demons

Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson wants to continue testing himself against the AFL’s big and brash ruckmen despite being overpowered late by Lloyd Meek against Hawthorn. And that could start with a reunion with Melbourne mentor Max Gawn on Sunday, writes ELIZA REILLY. 

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA – JULY 13: Luke Jackson of the Dockers and Denver Grainger-Barras of the Hawks compete for the ball during the round 18 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Fremantle Dockers at University of Tasmania Stadium, on July 13, 2024, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson wants to continue testing himself against the AFL’s big and brash ruckmen despite being overpowered late by Lloyd Meek against Hawthorn.

And that could start with a reunion with Melbourne mentor Max Gawn on Sunday.

Jackson’s ruck partner Sean Darcy missed Saturday’s 13-point loss in Launceston due to concussion. But the result was more evidence that Jackson and Darcy work best together, despite several critics arguing that there is only room for one at Fremantle.

Jackson didn’t play poorly. He finished with 20 touches, had 31 hit-outs and was particularly influential in the third quarter, pushing forward to take a big mark and kick a goal as the Dockers surged ahead.

Luke Jackson and Denver Grainger-Barras of the Hawks compete in Launceston. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

But Meek stood his ground in the final 10 minutes of the game when the sting had been taken out of Jackson’s leap, allowing Hawthorn to own stoppage and field position as James Sicily took control up forward.

Jackson conceded it was a tough assignment, rucking solo against a man mountain, but it was part of the learning curve to grow as a ruckman.

“It was a tough battle,” he said. “He’s a pretty big guy so it’s pretty hard to wrestle him.

“It’s honestly a challenge still, being a bigger frame and that. But I still think I compete pretty well and I can use my strengths as a ruck.

“I still think I did play to my strengths in there. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get the win.

“He’s a good player and he’s improved heaps. It was one of the bigger challenges but I’m looking forward to this week.”

Darcy is expected to return against the Demons at Optus Stadium if he gets through main training on Thursday. He’s not the only big man facing a fitness test later this week with Melbourne skipper Gawn eager to test his ankle in a bid to play the Dockers.

Gawn has missed one game after suffering a hairline fracture at the base of his right fibula in the Demons’ round 17 win against West Coast. While he was initially expected to miss two to three weeks, the 32-year-old is refusing to rule out a return against Fremantle.

But Jackson is on high alert.

Luke Jackson of the Dockers win the tap over Max Gawn of the Demons in Round 11, 2023. Picture: Michael Klein

“There’s a lot of strengths that Maxy has that we need to look out for,” he said. “He’s a great player.

“The presence he plays with and his marking both ends of the ground … his follow-up as well for a big guy, I’ve learnt a fair bit off his ruck work.

“He’s got everything you want in a player. Whether he plays or doesn’t play, it’ll still be a massive challenge coming up against Melbourne. We’re looking forward to it.”

If Gawn is ruled out, it paves the way for Jackson and Darcy to exploit Demons’ understudies Jacob van Rooyen and Harrison Petty. The pair were effective in the wet up against Essendon and Sam Draper, combining for 27 hit-outs.

“It’s going to be a big opportunity (for us),” Jackson said. “We know it’s going to be a tough game.

“We just want to keep building the chemistry between us and working well together. It’ll be a big challenge whoever we come up against.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure (if Darcy will play) but he’s looking pretty good at the moment. It’ll be good to have him back out there. Fingers crossed he’s ready to go.”