Fremantle’s ‘Unicorn’ is now fitter and stronger, with Luke Jackson well on the way to earning All-Australian honours after producing more dazzling highlights in his latest scintillating display.
Jackson has never lacked starpower, with his unique athleticism for a 199cm ruckman earning him the nickname ‘Unicorn’.
The 24-year-old’s ability to dominate in the air and at ground level was on display while at Melbourne, most notably when he played a crucial role in the club’s 2021 grand final win over the Western Bulldogs while serving as an understudy to Max Gawn.
But Jackson has taken his game to even greater heights while at Fremantle, especially this year.
Jackson spent large chunks of the recent pre-season training as a big-bodied midfielder.
And even though Sean Darcy’s form and fitness issues means Jackson has spent most of the current campaign as the No.1 ruckman, that extended stint training as a midfielder has worked wonders.
Against Carlton on Saturday night, Jackson kicked two stunning goals on the run – both of which came after he won the centre bounce ruck tap before streaming forward to receive the ball back.
Jackson finished the game with dominant stats – 31 hit-outs, 21 disposals, six tackles, three clearances, two contested marks, two goals and eight score involvements.
“He’s become fitter with his running, a huge step up from last year, and he’s become a lot stronger as well,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said.
“He’s really put the time into the gym, and he’s able to stand there and wrestle with the rucks as well now, and not just relying on his jump.
“He’s evolved all aspects of his game.”
The new ruck rules have suited Jackson’s athleticism, and when the ball hits the ground, he’s become an even more devastating weapon due to his greater fitness tank.
“He’s unique. He’s a good aerial player and a good tap ruckman, but he’s just as good at ground level, because once it hits the deck, he becomes another midfielder,” Longmuir said.
“He’s pretty electric when he gets up and about like that.”
With Darcy sidelined with yet another calf injury, former Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox has stepped into the void to serve as Jackson’s understudy.
Cox had a quiet debut in the western derby win over West Coast, but he was more prominent in Saturday’s 14-point victory over Carlton, tallying eight disposals, three contested marks, two goals, three tackles and eight hitouts.
The 35-year-old’s presence was even more important after spearhead Pat Voss was withdrawn before the bounce due to illness.
Fremantle are flying at 6-1, and they’ll be aiming to make it seven wins on the trot when they take on the injury-ravaged Western Bulldogs (4-3) at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
