Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw says he sees new Docker Luke Jackson as a key forward instead of a ruckman.
Jackson joined the Dockers in the off-season after three seasons, 52 games, a Rising Star award and premiership with Melbourne, playing primarily as a ruck/forward.
Given the former No. 3 draft pick cost Fremantle two first-round picks and a second rounder last trade period, many are expecting Jackson to be an immediate hit in purple - particularly as he inked a seven-year deal worth a reported $900,000 a season.
While Jackson’s best football has undoubtedly come as a ruckman - both around the ground and at the stoppage - the 199cm tall picked up just seven hitouts compared to teammate Sean Darcy’s 38 in the loss against the Saints as he played second fiddle.
Despite having just 30 career goals to his name, Brayshaw says the Dockers view Jackson’s “number one role” up forward even given his limited production in the role and what the club gave up to get him.
“Like a lot of us he’s a young player and still evolving as a player,” Brayshaw told SEN WA The Run Home.
“I definitely see him as a key forward, he also has that ability to play ruck and give Sean Darcy a spell at times.
“We even saw on weekend at times him even go into the midfield.
“But his number one role in my opinion is playing key forward.
“He’s going to be an integral factor in us kicking a lot of goals this year and winning games.”
Jackson’s performance up forward in the loss to St Kilda saw him go goalless but have four, score involvements a goal assist and kick two behinds from his 12 disposals.
He’ll hope to have a bigger impact when the Dockers hast last year’s wooden spooners the Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on Saturday.