Fremantle’s Luke Jackson has had an explosive start to the 2024 season in the absence of fellow star ruckman Sean Darcy.
The 22-year-old has played a pivotal role in the Dockers’ two come-from-behind victories so far in 2024, with his standout performance against North Melbourne last weekend earning recognition as his most impressive game, as per Champion Data.
The standalone ruckman amassed a monumental 24 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles and two goals in their 26-point victory over the Kangaroos.
This performance arose from an impressive Round 1 display against Brisbane, where he shone with two goals and 18 disposals in their remarkable victory after conceding the first four goals to last year’s Grand Finalists.
His form is backed up by Champion Data, whose analysis highlights Jackson's display against the Roos as one of the most remarkable performances by a ruckman in recent memory.
“So on the ratings, if you just think about a 20 rating game, that is amazing,” said Champion Data analyst Daniel Hoyne on SEN’s Sportsday.
“That would be number one across any season.
“Anytime you get a 30 rated game it’s unheard of and over the last 15 years, a ruckman has done that only 10 times.
“Luke Jackson now joins that (30) club, and he’s the youngest ruckman to have ever done that in a game of footy.”
The former Melbourne young gun has polled 18 votes from the coaches in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.
Jackson and the Dockers will be looking to continue their undefeated start to the season as they face Reilly O’Brien and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on Friday night.