Out-of-contract Melbourne ruck-forward Luke Jackson has reportedly put extension talks on hold, preferring to let his football do the talking for the time being.
Jon Ralph of The Herald Sun revealed on Monday that the 20-year-old is satisfied with letting the early rounds of the season play out before deciding on the next step of his promising career.
Ralph is also of the opinion that, once Jackson does end up agreeing to terms, it will be for approximately $700,000-750,000 per season, but added that his price continues to rise by the week.
While what is sure to be a comfortable rise from his current wage, reports within the last fortnight claim that Jackson's services have been actively pursued by the Fremantle Football Club.
Since being drafted third overall by the Demons at the 2019 National Draft, the Western Australian has impressed immensely as skipper Max Gawn's partner-in-crime.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
Jackson was a pivotal feature of Melbourne's premiership-winning side last year (16 hit-outs, five tackles and a goal in the club's grand final victory) and has started superbly in 2022.
The East Fremantle product notched 21 possessions, five marks, four tackles, two goals and four inside-50s against the Suns last Saturday night, spurring his side to a win.
Teammate Alex Neal-Bullen expressed his deep appreciation for Jackson on Monday.
"He's someone who has a huge impact on our culture as a footy club and to have him [as a] long-term Melbourne player, I think everyone would love that," Neal-Bullen said.
"He's got an exciting future ahead of him, and we hope that's in the red and blue.
"His ability to stand up in big moments and that's a great partnership him and Maxy Gawn have now. With 'Jacko', the energy he brings to the team is something that lifts everyone else up around him."
Demons legend David Schwarz believes Jackson is an excitement machine and should receive the same payday as Collingwood's million-dollar-ruckman, Brodie Grundy.
"If you are paying a million dollars a year for Brodie Grundy, you know what Luke Jackson is worth," he told the Herald Sun.
"I think he is the most exciting big man in the game. Melbourne should do everything they can to keep his services. He is more important to them than just about anyone else on their list.
"He has got so much flexibility. He can play ruck, he can play forward, he can play as a midfielder. We have seen the P-word – potential – but now he is showing the full range of what he can do. He is a must-sign player. Lock him away now."
Jackson and his Dees are preparing to go into battle with Essendon on Friday night as they look to continue their undefeated start to their first premiership defence since 1965.
