Luke Jackson is expected to request a trade back to Melbourne, according to the West Australian.

The report indicates that the 23-year-old is keen to return to the Demons amid “significant off-field issues” while at the Dockers.

Those issues have been addressed by himself, the club and management in recent weeks.

Jackson was initially traded to Freo from the Dees in 2022 in exchange for two first-round picks a second-round selection.

The chatter surrounding a potential Melbourne return for Jackson just hasn't gone away over the past few months.

He is contracted with Fremantle until the end of 2029 after initially signing a seven-year deal, but it appears as though he wishes to move back to Victoria.

Dees link won't go away

The most obvious link is a move back to the Demons which has already been mooted on several occasions and was again floated on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters by Craig Hutchison and Mitch Cleary.

“The Melbourne clubs are circling on Luke Jackson and not just the Melbourne footy club, but others,” Hutchison said.

“It’s created some interest in moving back to Victoria. Who are the suitors for Luke Jackson?”

Cleary says the only landing spot for Jackson, if he were to leave Freo, would be Melbourne where he won the 2021 premiership and Rising Star award.

“Melbourne is the obvious one given the partnership he had with Max Gawn,” he added.

“They feel, the Demons, that if he is to come back it would only be the Melbourne footy club where he would reunite with Max Gawn.

“He’s got four years left on his deal at the Dockers, he is in the process of changing managers.

“Luke Jackson is a big watch this space.”

Gawn's subtle hint

To add fuel to the rumour fire, Dees skipper Gawn made a subtle hint about a possible Jackson reunion on Triple M on Monday.

“There’s so many people who have got a trade back to WA and then come back,” said Gawn.

“Not mentioning one that could potentially be coming back soon… let’s hope so.

“I’m only going off what The Agenda Setters are saying. The Agenda Setters say that he might come back.”

Speculation “all rubbish”

The renewed speculation comes just months after Jackson himself said a potential Dees return was “all rubbish”.

“That's all rubbish to be honest. I won a premiership with them, and I've got good relationships with them,” he told reporters in March.

“I obviously give them the time of day and some of my best mates are in that team.”

Jackson has played six matches in 2025 and is averaging 27.5 hit outs and 16.5 disposals.