Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick lashes Melbourne’s fuelling of Luke Jackson trade rumours

Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick has fired a shot across the bow at Melbourne for its role in fuelling Luke Jackson trade speculation.

Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick has fired a shot across the bow at rival club Melbourne for its role in fuelling Luke Jackson trade speculation.

Throughout the season, Jackson has been linked to a return to the Demons, where he won a premiership in 2021. The speculation was largely tied to Fremantle’s pursuit of superstar Kysaiah Pickett who is now expected to stay at Melbourne on a new, monster deal.

Jackson has been linked with a move back to the Dees. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Last month, Demons captain Max Gawn was forced to apologise for suggesting a Jackson reunion could be on the cards and coach Simon Goodwin also said Melbourne would “be interested” in regaining the ruckman’s services.

With both Jackson and Pickett seemingly set to remain at their current clubs, Garlick snuffed out any potential player swap and whacked Melbourne in the process.

“To borrow an infamous line from Will Smith, I think Melbourne should take our players’ names out of their mouths!” Garlick told SEN WA Mornings. “It’s interesting … hearing the captain and coach speak specifically on Luke was really disappointing.

“It’s not a practice that we engage in, but that’s their prerogative.

“It’s not even a consideration for us.

“He’s a cornerstone of our club for a long time to come.”

Jackson has overtaken fellow big man Sean Darcy as Fremantle’s No. 1 ruck this season, leaving the Dockers’ two-ruck structure in limbo.

The 23-year-old is averaging 18.7 disposals, 3.9 clearances and 28.4 hitouts this season, putting him among the most influential ruckmen in the competition.

“Luke has had the season he’s had on-field,” Garlick said. “Everyone has seen that. I think he’s in phenomenal form.

“He’s an unbelievable character around the footy club, just in terms of his enthusiasm, his infectious nature … he’s a great teammate and we just love having him a part of the club.

“He’s clearly signed for a long period of time, he loves the footy club, and you can see that in both his actions and his words.

He’s going to form part of our midfield in a variety of roles given his flexibility and his capability and I think he’s just scratching the surface of that too, which is exciting for us and our fans.”

Originally published as Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick lashes Melbourne’s fuelling of Luke Jackson trade rumours