Trade talk: Vic clubs eye 'gettable target' Jackson

PERSONAL circumstances on both sides of the country are clouding Luke Jackson’s Fremantle future.

As things stand, Jackson is seen as a gettable trade target by Victorian clubs despite having five years remaining on a Freo contract.

Complex family issues beyond his control last year saw Jackson deeply unsettled in Perth.

Such was the turbulence in his personal life Jackson spent most of the off-season on the Victorian surf coast with his girlfriend Kelsey Browne.

It’s these factors - whether for nothing or something - that have emboldened rival clubs.

There is also the ongoing curiosity of Jackson having to cede most of the ruck responsibilities to fringe big man Liam Ready.

Yet Fremantle argue Jackson has returned from the summer the most engaged in the team he has been in some time and is once again settled.

But the club is still navigating some of the personal dynamics around Jackson in an attempt to help him.

Dockers coach Justin Longmuir last night emphatically dismissed reports Jackson could seek a trade.

“Just nothing I’ve seen of Luke throughout the pre-season has shown me that he wants to leave the club,” Longmuir said after a 19-point win over Melbourne.

“Someone from the club has spoken to him already – he has reiterated that he doesn’t want to go anywhere and he’s never been happier.”

Jackson was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2022, with the Dockers giving up two first-round selections and a second-round pick.