Former Fremantle midfielder Paul Hasleby believes Demons tall Luke Jackson will be "the marquee player of the competition" in a matter of years, suggesting his former side do what they can to lure the teenager back to his home state.
Jackson is fancied for the 2021 Rising Star Award alongside Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Green, with either candidate deserving of the honours following stellar campaigns.
The award will be announced on Thursday, with many unable to split the pair's credentials for the crown.
Jackson has flourished for Melbourne this season, emerging as a key component to the minor premiers' successful campaign to date.
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Hailing from Western Australia, the 19-year-old has played 27 games in the red and blue since joining the Demons as third overall selection in the 2019 National Draft.
Hasleby believes Jackson's trajectory has him on course to become one of the league's best players in the future, warranting a call for the Dockers to throw the proverbial kitchen sink to land forward/ruck utility.
Speaking onย Sportsday,ย Hasleby said Fremantle should "sell the shop" in order to land Jackson's services.
โIf Iโm Fremantle, Iโm throwing everything at a key position player in Luke Jackson,โ he said.
โIโd be prepared to give up my whole draft for Luke Jackson.
โHeโs the only player I would sell the shop for. Midfielders, other players, not interested. Weโve got that covered. We havenโt had two key forwards in the history of our team.
โI would give my whole draft this year for Luke Jackson because he could be the difference.
โI think in two to three years heโll be the marquee player of the competition.โ
Jackson currently remains contracted to the Demons until the end of the 2022 season after inking a new deal with the club late last year.
Pairing with Max Gawn in sharing the ruck and key-forward workload, Jackson is set to play a key role in the Demons' push to end their premiership drought.
Melbourne will face Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, with the winner booking their place in a preliminary final.
